Galway man to appeal conviction for rape

The Connemara father at the centre of a rape trial two years ago, which ultimately led to the resignation of then Government minister, Mr Bobby Molloy, is to appeal both his conviction and the severity of his sentence.

Patrick Naughton (51), of Cinn Mhara, Camus, Co Galway, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping and abusing his daughter over a ten-year period. He was convicted in April 2002 on 18 sample charges of raping and buggering his daughter over a period of six years, from 1987. The abuse started when she was nine.

It was also ordered that his name be put on the register of sex offenders and that he remain under supervision for 12 years after his release. A spokeswoman confirmed yesterday that Naughton's solicitor had, on Tuesday, filed his intention to appeal the conviction with the Office of the Court of Criminal Appeal. The appeal is likely to be heard in the autumn, she said.

The case became notorious when it emerged that Mr Molloy had tried to communicate with the judge in the case, Mr Justice O'Sullivan. It emerged that some- one representing Mr Molloy had been in touch with the judge seeking to phone him at home, in order to clarify whether he had received a number of letters from Naughton's sister, Anne.

When passing sentence the judge said it had been "quite improper that any such approach" should have been made.

The Galway West TD resigned the following day.