Courts / Cork / Report
Cork man jailed for sexual abuse of stepdaughter loses appeal
Summary
Reginald Arnold, 58, of Cork, was convicted of sexual assault, attempted rape and restricting a child's liberty for abusing his step‑daughter between April 2008 and August 2010. A jury found him guilty and he received an 11‑year sentence, with the final two years suspended, imposed by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy on 19 June 2014. Arnold appealed his conviction and sentence, but the Court of Appeal dismissed both appeals. Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, upheld the conviction, noting that the trial judge had exercised discretion appropriately and that no corroboration warning was required. He also rejected the sentence appeal, stating that the 11‑year term, with two years suspended, fell within the range of sentences the trial judge could impose. The step‑daughter, who waived anonymity, testified of repeated touching, masturbation, being tied to a bed and attempted rape, beginning when she was 12. Reginald Arnold pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cork man jailed for sexual abuse of stepdaughter loses appeal. Charges or matters: sexual assault, attempted rape and restricting the personal liberty of a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation at his home between April 2008 and August 2010. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- April 2008 Incident
- August 2010 Incident
- June 19, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-03-04 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: sexual assault, attempted rape and restricting the personal liberty of a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation at his home between April 2008 and August 2010 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment with the final two suspended by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy on June 19, 2014. Arnold had appeals against his conviction and sentence dismissed today in the Court of Appeal.
Places mentioned
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