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Jury convicts rape accused who claimed he could have penetrated wife's friend when he fell on her

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 55‑year‑old man was found guilty of rape by a unanimous jury after a five‑day hearing. The accused had told Gardaí that he could have penetrated the complainant when he fell on her with his penis out, but later claimed the sex was consensual. He had also stated that the woman had performed oral sex on him while he said "no". The jury heard that the man had given multiple, conflicting accounts to Gardaí and that forensic DNA evidence linked him to the victim. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, rejected a bail‑continuation application, remanded the accused in custody and indicated that an immediate and substantial sentence would be imposed. The case was adjourned to March 1 for sentencing, with the court to consider mitigation factors such as the accused's lack of prior convictions. The victim's impact statement was also to be prepared.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury convicts rape accused who claimed he could have penetrated wife's friend when he fell on her. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 1 Adjournment
• 2024-02-14 Publication

Why: After the party, she said she refused offers to be walked home in order to help with the tidying. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report