continuing bail | 

Man who was victim of false rape claim ‘just wants the case over and done with’

Today at 07:07

A woman who admitted making a false rape allegation against a man has been given a chance to take part in a restorative justice programme.

Ann Marie Keenan (37), who repeatedly “stuck to” her untrue story in garda statements, had her case further adjourned after a court heard the man did not wish to make a victim-impact statement. Judge Monika Leech remanded Keenan on continuing bail when she appeared in Dublin District Court.

Keenan, from Kildonan Avenue, Finglas, pleaded guilty to making false statements tending to show rape offences had ­taken place.

The statements were made at Fitzgibbon Street garda station on August 13, 2022, and January 4 and February 14 last year.

The accused entered her plea last November and the case came back before the court for a victim-impact statement and finalisation.

Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch told Judge Leech the victim did not wish to make a statement.

The court had heard the accused had psychiatric issues. A report had been prepared on her and was read by the judge.

The defence solicitor said the report was “excellent” and helpful.

Judge Leech said she felt restorative justice was the most appropriate and “best avenue to explore”.

“I don’t think the injured party will participate, I think he’s happy for it to be over and done with, he just wants it finalised,” Sgt Lynch said.

The judge said restorative justice was a “collaborative process” and the victim could participate, but there was no obligation on him to do so and it should be explained to him what the court was doing.

She said she would defer hearing the facts of the case until the next day and remanded the accused on continuing bail to a date in July.

At a jurisdiction hearing last year, the court was told Keenan alleged to gardaí she was the victim of an assault at a location in Dublin, leading to an investigation being launched.

When inconsistencies were discovered and put to her, she maintained her allegations.