Ireland Case No. 3134Defilement of a child · Co. Mayo
Man convicted of defiling teenager appeals over 'Bart Simpson defence' remark at Court of Appeal
A 34-year-old man convicted of defilement of a 16-year-old girl in Westport, Co. Mayo, argued at the Court of Appeal that the jury in his 2025 trial was misdirected when the judge commented on the prosecution's 'Bart Simpson defence' remark. Judgment by the three-judge court was reserved.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court8 May
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe appellant was found not guilty by unanimous verdict of sexual assault but guilty of defilement of a child. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe appellant denied the sexual assault and maintained he believed the complainant was over 18. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA further ground of appeal was that the judge directed the jury that finding sex occurred would mean the appellant was a liar and his age belief not credible. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA final ground was that the judge failed to consider reasons for differences between a restaurant manager's statement and her direct evidence before admitting the statement. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe offence took place in Westport. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe sentencing took place at Castlebar Courthouse. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe appeal was heard at the Court of Appeal before a three-judge panel presided over by Judge Nuala Butler. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceHe was sentenced to two years with the final 12 months suspended. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHe was granted bail pending appeal. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe appellant was 28 and the complainant was 16 at the time of the offence. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe appellant is now 34 years old. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 8 May2026Man jailed for defiling teenager argues jury misdirected after ‘Bart Simpson defence’ remark
Covers the Court of Appeal hearing where the appellant raised three grounds of appeal: the judge's comment on the 'Bart Simpson defence' remark, a direction that finding sex occurred meant the appellant was a liar, and the admission of a restaurant manager's statement inconsistent with her direct evidence. Judgment reserved.
accused, 34, malevictim, 16, female