Courts / Ireland / Report
Rape conviction quashed after new evidence emerges
Summary
A Laois man, now 20, had his rape conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal after new evidence was admitted. The evidence came from a post‑trial affidavit by a 14‑year‑old friend of the complainant, who claimed the defendant had previously had sexual encounters with the complainant and that the complainant had expressed sexual desire to the defendant before the alleged rape. The court found the evidence potentially relevant and admissible, ruling that it could be presented to a jury. The original trial had found the defendant, who was 16 at the time, guilty of raping a 15‑year‑old friend on Halloween 2019. He had been sentenced to three years' imprisonment with the final six months suspended, and was ordered to attend a consent course and register as a sex offender. The appeal court overturned the conviction, citing the new evidence as a matter of principle. The case remains at the appeal stage. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rape conviction quashed after new evidence emerges. Charges or matters: rape at the area in Laois on October 31, 201. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 31, 2019 Incident
- July 25 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-10-02 Publication
Why: She said she moved school and home because of how "unsafe" she felt and that she lost her independence since. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: rape at the area in Laois on October 31, 201 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A Laois man who was jailed less than three months ago for raping a friend on wasteland on Halloween night when they were both teenagers has had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal. On July 25 last, Mr Justice Burns sentenced the man to three years in prison but suspended the final six months on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for three years upon his ultimate release from prison.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
- had attended the local Garda station
Topics
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