Sexual offences have lowest conviction rates in country’s circuit courts

The 89% conviction rate for sexual offences in the country's circuit courts compares with 100% for fatal offences, 98% for offences against property such as burglary and theft, and 93% for road traffic offences.

The figures form 2014, the latest period available, also show people living in Dublin are more likely to face a jury trial for a serious criminal offence than residents in any other part of the country.

Published by the Director of Public Prosecutions, statistics also show the highest rate of decisions by the DPP to prosecute alleged offenders are against those living in Dublin.