Cork man, 64, found not guilty of raping his sister 50 years ago

Complainant had alleged he threatened her if she ever disclosed it their father would get sick and die and she would be sent to an orphanage

Accused had faced a total of 19 counts on the indictment — seven for indecent assault and 12 for rape. Picture: Larry Cummins

A 64-year-old Cork man was found not guilty of raping his sister approximately 50 years ago at the family home in a case where she alleged he threatened her if she ever disclosed it their father would get sick and die and she would be sent to an orphanage.

Ten men and two women deliberated for three hours before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon told them if they could not reach a unanimous verdict than an 11-1 or 10-2 majority would be accepted. Within minutes, they returned to the Cork courtroom where the Central Criminal Court was sitting and delivered majority not guilty verdicts in the case.