Courts / Kerry / Report
Kerry pimp to stay behind bars as rape conviction upheld
Summary
Emmet O'Connor, a 30-year-old man from Co. Kerry, has been ordered to remain in custody after the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal against convictions for rape, organising prostitution, and intimidating a witness. In December 2020, a jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously found O'Connor guilty of two counts of rape, organising prostitution, and intimidating a witness by sending graphic Snapchat messages to the complainant. He had denied all charges. In April 2021, Mr Justice Michael White sentenced O'Connor to eight years' imprisonment for rape and anal rape, to two years for organising prostitution – to run consecutively with the rape sentences – and to another consecutive year for the intimidation offence. Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding over the appeal, rejected O'Connor's arguments regarding the admissibility of 'recent complaint' evidence from the victim's sister and a Ruhama counsellor, finding no prejudicial effect. The court also dismissed claims of unfairness concerning late forensic analysis of the complainant's clothing, noting the defence could have sought its own expert. Furthermore, the appeal against the intimidation conviction was rejected, with the court affirming that the trial judge properly directed the jury on the requisite intent. The Court of Appeal upheld all convictions, meaning O'Connor must serve his effective sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Kerry pimp to stay behind bars as rape conviction upheld. Charges or matters: rape; organising prostitution; intimidating a witness. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- December 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 25, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-07-26 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: rape; organising prostitution; intimidating a witness (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: In April 2021, Mr Justice Michael White sentenced O'Connor to eight years' imprisonment for rape and anal rape, to two years for organising prostitution – to run consecutively with the rape sentences – and to another consecutive year for the intimidation offence.; appeal dismissed
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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