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Judgment reserved in rape appeal case

The court of Criminal Appeal (CCA) has reserved judgment on an appeal by a Dublin man against his conviction and life sentence for the rape of his then partner’s teenage daughter.

Christopher Griffin (38), of Ridgewood Green, Swords, Dublin, formerly of Canon Lillis Avenue, in Dublin’s north inner city, is appealing against his conviction of one count of oral rape of the girl (then in her teens) in 1998, one count of rape in 2001 and nine counts of indecent assault on dates from 1993 to 1998. Griffin had denied all the charges.

After being convicted in April 2007, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Paul Justice Carney.

The girl, now in her early 20s, consented to Griffin’s name being used by the media.

His appeal concluded yesterday and the CCA, with Ms Justice Fidelma Macken presiding, and sitting with Mr Justice Eamon de Valera and Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, reserved judgment.

Michael O’Higgins SC, for Griffin, has argued the conviction is unsafe and should be quashed on grounds including the non-availability of an important witness.

More

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0725/1216917539418.html

© 2008 The Irish Times

 
 

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