Courts / Limerick / Report

'Dangerous sex predator' argues jury shouldn't have heard kidnap victim's 40-min 999 call

Summary

Denis O'Donovan, a 39-year-old from Ballyryan, Donohill, Co Tipperary, is appealing his conviction at the Court of Appeal. O'Donovan, who pleaded not guilty to five offences, was convicted of false imprisonment, assault causing harm, and two counts of sexual assault, while the jury failed to reach a verdict on one alleged sexual assault. In June 2024, Judge Dermot Sheehan at Limerick Circuit Court sentenced him to seven years in prison, with six months suspended. The appeal, launched by barrister Timothy O'Leary SC, argues that the trial judge erred in admitting the entirety of a 40-minute 999 emergency call made by the victim. Defence counsel contended the full recording was unnecessary, irrelevant, and prejudicial, asserting that the victim's direct testimony was sufficient. Additionally, O'Leary argued the judge failed to adequately instruct the jury regarding the absence of forensic analysis on samples taken from the vehicle. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Lily Buckley BL, countered that the call was probative and relevant, noting the victim's state of panic and the tactical decision by the defence to object to the full recording. The prosecution also maintained that the judge's directions to the jury to rely solely on the evidence before them were appropriate. Mr Justice John Edwards reserved judgment, meaning the matter was adjourned and the court will deliver its decision at a later date.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Dangerous sex predator' argues jury shouldn't have heard kidnap victim's 40-min 999 call. Charges or matters: five offences; false imprisonment, assault causing harm and two counts of sexual assault but the jury failed to reach a verdict on one alleged sexual assault. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

• June 2024 Incident
• January 17, 2020 Incident
• 2026-03-10 Publication

Why: Counsel said the victim lived in a remote location and was in a "blind panic" at the time the call was made because she was afraid the accused would return. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report