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Wife may be motivated by revenge, lawyers for rape accused tell trial
Summary
In a 2016 trial, a 42‑year‑old man was accused of raping his wife during a marital breakdown. He pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm, and four threat counts, while a fifth threat count was directed to a not‑guilty verdict. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer urged jurors to consider possible motives for the wife's allegations, citing revenge, bitterness, desire, custody or property concerns. He noted the accused admitted assaulting his wife with a hammer months after the alleged rape, arguing this should not influence other charges. Prosecuting counsel Mary Rose Gearty highlighted alleged inconsistencies in the wife's testimony, including fabricated claims of head‑butting and petrol dousing, and questioned her credibility. The trial proceeded before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Wife may be motivated by revenge, lawyers for rape accused tell trial. Charges or matters: rape, assault causing harm and four counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 24 Incident
- August 1, 2014 Incident
- 2016-06-27 Publication
Why: Ms Gearty said the woman would have had to "jump and pirouette" in order to hit the press. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: rape, assault causing harm and four counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- local garda station
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Trial Violent Crime
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