Retrial ordered in case of man jailed for rape and false imprisonment of woman

The Court of Criminal Appeal has quashed the conviction and ordered the retrial of a Tunisian man who was jailed for eight years for the rape and false imprisonment of a woman he met in a nightclub.

The three-judge court found Samir Mansour's conviction was unsafe after the jury asked whether the case had to be proved beyond reasonable doubt, or whether they could decide on the basis of what they 'believe.'

Mr Mansour, with an address at of Windmill Hill, Prospect, Mullingar, pleaded not guilty to rape, false imprisonment and making threats to kill at his home three years ago.

The Court of Criminal Appeal found the jury's questions during its deliberations rendered the outcome unsafe.