Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 3080Sexual assault, rape · Co. Kerry

Paul Kelly appeals conviction for raping and sexually abusing his brother in Killarney

Paul Kelly, 47, of Killarney, Co Kerry, launched an appeal against his November 2024 conviction for 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape and 12 counts of anal rape of his younger brother Anthony Kelly, arguing that evidence of the abuse given in 'the present perfect continuous tense' should not have been admitted. Judge Patrick McCarthy reserved judgment in the appeal.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court15 May
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
33 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatPaul Kelly was convicted of 12 sample counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape and 12 counts of anal rape of his younger brother Anthony Kelly. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatPaul Kelly was 16 when he began abusing his brother and 20 when he stopped. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatAnthony Kelly was between ten and 14 years old at the time of the abuse. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatAnthony Kelly wished to waive his right to anonymity to allow his older brother to be named. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe boys shared a bedroom. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • whatWhen Anthony was about ten, Paul made him lie face down and then simulated sex on him. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe simulated sex occurred at least three times a week for about a year and a half. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatIn 1997 the abuse escalated and Paul forced Anthony to perform oral sex on him. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • whatPaul began anally raping Anthony once or twice a week between 1997 and 1999. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe abuse ended in 1999 when Paul Kelly began a relationship. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • whatAnthony came forward to make a complaint in 2021. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatIn his victim impact statement, Anthony said his older brother used him for his own sexual gratification. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatAnthony said the abuse affected every part of his life, leaving him with flashbacks, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatAnthony said he used alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatPaul Kelly is 47 years old (irishtimes.com)
  • whatPaul Kelly was 16 years old when he began abusing his brother and 20 when he stopped (irishtimes.com)
  • whatAnthony Kelly was between 10 and 14 years old at the time of the abuse (irishtimes.com)
  • whatWhen Anthony was about 10, Paul made him lie face down and simulated sex on him at least three times a week for about a year and a half (irishtimes.com)
  • whatPaul anally raped Anthony once or twice a week between 1997 and 1999 (irishtimes.com)
  • whatAnthony said in his victim impact statement that his brother used him for his own sexual gratification and it left him with flashbacks, suicidal thoughts and self-harm (irishtimes.com)
  • whatAnthony used alcohol and drugs to numb the pain (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe abuse took place at the family home in Shronedraugh, Headford, Killarney, Co. Kerry. (irishmirror.ie)
  • wherePaul Kelly lives in Shronedraugh, Headford, Killarney, Co Kerry (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe abuse occurred at the family home (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe abuse occurred on dates between 1995 and 1999. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • whenAnthony Kelly came forward to make a complaint in 2021 (irishtimes.com)
  • chargePaul Kelly was convicted of 12 sample counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape and 12 counts of anal rape (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Justice Patrick McCarthy presided over the three-judge court and reserved judgment. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtPaul Kelly was convicted following a trial in November 2024 (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Melanie Greally sentenced Paul Kelly (irishtimes.com)
  • courtCounsel for Paul Kelly, James Dwyer, launched the appeal against conviction on Thursday (irishtimes.com)
  • sentencePaul Kelly was jailed for seven and a half years by Ms Justice Melanie Greally. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentencePaul Kelly was jailed for 7 and a half years (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 May2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Man who raped brother says some evidence used in trial should not have been admitted

    Reports on Paul Kelly's appeal against conviction, where his counsel argued that a witness's recollection of the complainant saying 'Paul has been raping me for years' seven years after the abuse ended was inconsistent and that the judge should have given a corroboration warning. The State's counsel called it an 'academic exercise on phraseology'. Judgment reserved.

    convicted, Paul Kelly, 47, male, Irish, named, irishPaul Kellyvictim, Anthony Kelly, male, Irish, irishAnthony Kelly
  2. 15 May2026
    In courtirishmirror.ie, follow-up
    Man who raped brother appeals over 'present perfect continuous tense' in trial

    Appeal hearing at Criminal Courts of Justice on 15 May 2026; judgment reserved by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy presiding over a three-judge court.

    convicted, Paul Kelly, 47, male, named, irish (judged from name)Paul Kellyvictim, Anthony Kelly, male, irish (judged from name)Anthony Kelly