Courts / Ireland / Report

Woman who made false abuse allegations against husband fails in appeal against costs order

Summary

The Court of Appeal upheld a High Court ruling that a woman who made "very serious false allegations" of rape and abuse against her ex‑husband should pay the majority of the legal costs. The High Court had found the woman's claims were "in all probability" fabricated to paint her former husband in the worst light and to coerce him into capitulating to her demands over property, children and finances. The allegations, denied by the husband, did not withstand scrutiny and there were no child‑welfare concerns. The Court of Appeal, comprising Justices Whelan, Faherty and Binchy, dismissed the woman's appeal, agreeing that the trial judge was correct to find her conduct "gross and obvious" and to impose a costs order. The Court also preliminarily ruled that she should pay the husband's costs in the appeal, giving her 14 days to submit objections.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman who made false abuse allegations against husband fails in appeal against costs order. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• 2023-10-27 Publication

Why: Giving the CoA's decision, Mr Justice Binchy said the trial judge was correct to conclude that the allegations made by the appellant were part of the proceedings because she had made them. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report