asked the Minister for Justice if he has had correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Arbour Hill Prison, Dublin 9 complaining that he was convicted and sentenced on the basis of a statement in relation to another crime; if he has investigated this complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Complaint by Prisoner.
55.
Correspondence was received in my Department last year from the person referred to in the question in which he made certain complaints about his trial and conviction in a case in 1986.
This case was the subject of a full hearing in the Circuit Criminal Court. Following the hearing of the evidence, which included statements from witnesses and forensic evidence, the person concerned was convicted of rape and sentenced to eight years penal servitude. Subject to the law and the Constitution, the courts are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the verdict in a particular case such as this. The position has been explained to the person concerned in reply to his correspondence.