Appeal dismissed against rape and sexual assault convictions amid challenges to evidence of accused’s temper and complainant’s credibility

The Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal brought by an accused who had been convicted in the Central Criminal Court on 17 counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against the complainant, who was his sister-in-law and a minor at the time of the offences. The appeal challenged the admission of evidence related to the accused’s temper and prior bad conduct, alleged errors in the trial judge's directions to the jury, and inconsistencies in the complainant’s account, including confusion over dates and locations. The Court of Appeal found that the evidence in question was relevant and admissible to explain the complainant’s fear and the context of the alleged offences, and that any potential prejudice was appropriately addressed by the trial judge’s careful jury instructions. The court also found that the complainant’s evidence, while challenged and subject to cross-examination, was sufficient to support a conviction, and that no miscarriage of justice had occurred. The convictions were upheld and the appeal was refused.