Conviction affirmed for multiple sexual offences by family member over a decade

The Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction of a family member for multiple sexual offences, including rape and indecent assault, against five relatives over a period of approximately ten years. The original trial at the Central Criminal Court resulted in a cumulative sentence of twelve years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The appellant's grounds for appeal included the trial judge's refusal to sever the indictment, failure to withdraw certain counts based on the doctrine of 'doli incapax' due to the appellant's age at the time of the offences, and refusal to discharge the jury after the introduction of potentially prejudicial evidence. The Court of Appeal found no basis to overturn the original decision, affirming that the trial judge correctly applied legal principles and that the evidence was cross-admissible among the complainants.