Courts / Ireland / Report

Rapist who murdered schoolgirl 27 years ago claims miscarriage of justice

Summary

A 51-year-old man who has spent 24 years in prison for the rape and murder of a Connemara schoolgirl has claimed that his conviction was a miscarriage of justice, arguing that he should have the right to retest forensic evidence. Barrister Michael O'Higgins SC launched an appeal on behalf of John McDonagh, who was found guilty in 2001 of the rape and murder of Siobhan Hynes (17) at Tismeain beach in Keeraunbeg. McDonagh, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to life in prison after a three-day trial. At the Court of Appeal, O'Higgins argued that new evidence and improved forensic testing methods could cast doubt on the original conviction. He highlighted a dispute between expert witnesses regarding the forensic evidence and claimed that the State was blocking access to the samples. O'Higgins emphasized that the potential of new testing methods had not been considered during the trial and that the defence expert, Dr Clare Jarman, disagreed with the State's expert, Dr Dorothy Ramsbottom, on the reliability of DNA testing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Rapist who murdered schoolgirl 27 years ago claims miscarriage of justice. Charges or matters: the charges but was found guilty after three days of jury deliberations and sentenced to life in prison. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• December 6, 1998 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-12-01 Publication

Why: Because our client doesn't control the custody of these exhibits, it rests with the forensic science laboratory," said Mr O'Higgins. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report