A rapist father who encouraged the family dog to take part in the sexual abuse of his daughters, has lost his appeal against conviction. In July 2018 Patrick Byrnes (80), with a last address at Castletroy, Limerick, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of 58 charges of indecent assault and two counts of rape on dates between 1975 and 1985. Counsel said it was “manifestly clear” that the alleged fabrication of the offences, and collusion and collaboration on behalf of the two complainants was a ‘central plank’ of the defence case. Court President Justice George Birmingham, presiding with Justice Isobel Kennedy and Justice Una Ní­ Raifeartaigh, said they weren’t persuaded by the grounds of appeal. As has often been said, an accused person is entitled to a fair trial, not a perfect trial,” they said, dismissing the appeal.

Source: The Irish Times June 17, 2020 12:45 UTC