Should character references be included in sexual assault trials?

2025-11-03

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Dublin firefighter Terence Crosbie has lodged an appeal against his conviction for raping a woman while in Boston for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations last year.Some 88 pages of character references for Crosbie were provided to the court, including testimonies from his wife, parents and many people who worked with him in Dublin.His uncle and his younger brother Kiefer Crosbie, a former UFC fighter, also submitted character references, as did a former primary school teacher, a school principal a...

Dublin firefighter Terence Crosbie has lodged an appeal against his conviction for raping a woman while in Boston for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations last year.

Some 88 pages of character references for Crosbie were provided to the court, including testimonies from his wife, parents and many people who worked with him in Dublin.

His uncle and his younger brother Kiefer Crosbie, a former UFC fighter, also submitted character references, as did a former primary school teacher, a school principal and a member of the Capuchin Order.

But, should we allow character references similar to those submitted in this case to be read out in court?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD and Criminal Barrister, Noeline Blackwell, Human Rights Lawyer, Consultant and Online Safety Coordinator with the Children’s Rights Alliance, Miriam Henry and Paula Doyle.

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