Man who raped his son loses appeal against conviction

Boy gave testimony over nine days, with six days of cross-examination, court hears

Irish Times, Eoin Reynolds Tuesday 20th April 2021

Mr Justice Birmingham said there was “reasonable adherence” to ground rules that were set out by the intermediary before the boy gave his evidence but, the judge added: “The duration of the case and in particular the length of period over which the very young complainant, who was 12 years of age at the time of the trial, was required to give evidence has to be a cause of very great concern.”

Colman Cody SC, who conducted the cross-examination, argued previously that the six days of questioning were justified by the unusually complex nature of the “egregious” allegations against his client.

Mr Justice Birmingham said: “We do not dispute the fact that the case was difficult and complex, but our concerns remain undiminished.”

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/man-who-raped-his-son-loses-appeal-against-conviction-1.4542753