Courts / Ireland / Report

Majority of charges withdrawn as alleged familial sex abuse trial hears closing speeches

Summary

In a long‑running jury trial that began in October last year, the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the majority of the 103 charges against six men accused of sexually abusing a deaf female relative, and all charges against a seventh man were also withdrawn. The remaining men, aged 32 to 55, were re‑arraigned on 20 charges, 16 of which involve the main complainant. The accused include her three uncles and three younger brothers. Each defendant denies all allegations. The prosecution's closing speech, delivered by Roisin Lacey SC, explained that the charges had been amended to reflect the evidence more accurately, noting the complainant's borderline learning disability and language deprivation, which affect her ability to recall dates and sequences. The trial continues with the prosecution's next closing speech scheduled for tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Majority of charges withdrawn as alleged familial sex abuse trial hears closing speeches. Charges or matters: four counts pertaining to the sexual abuse of two other sisters. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 2009 Other
• April 2011 Other
• December 2014 Other
• 1995 and 2014 Incident
• 2003 and 2010 Incident
• 2005 and 2006 Incident
• 2015 and 2018 Incident
• 2010 and 2014 Incident
• 2007 and 2009 Incident
• 1995 and 1996 Other
• 2026-04-28 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report