Appeal planned as Offaly father reveals daughter’s rape conviction nightmare

An Edenderry man has described the “horrendous†time his family are going through, after his daughter was convicted of rape in an Australian court last week. Shay O'Loughlin, a well-known farmer in Edenderry, told the Offaly Independent that his daughter Anne-Marie was his family had been living a nightmare since daughter Anne-Marie, known as Annie, who is 25, was found guilty of rape in Brisbane District Court last Friday, December 3. Just over two years since her ordeal began, the young nurse was found guilty of two counts of digital rape and one of the deprivation of liberty of a woman in the female toilets in the Caxton Hotel in Brisbane on November 2, 2008. She was found not guilty of a sexual assault charge. Annie had pleaded not guilty to all charges. “It was indeed a terrible shock, but straight away she said she did nothing. She rang us three days after she was arrested, two years ago,†said Shay speaking yesterday to the Offaly Independent. “We're very worried, the whole thing is bizarre from start to finish.†He said that the family have been hit hard by the ordeal, but that his other three adult children have “rallied round†doing what they can and have found that there's worldwide support for Annie on various websites. Shay said that Annie had moved over to Australia to work and travel, just like so many people of her age. She lived for a while in Sydney before moving to Brisbane where she shared a house with another nursing friend from Ireland and a few other girls. “It was a great experience but it turned bad,†her father said. He said that Annie, who is his third youngest child, had little recollection of the incident as she was drunk, but didn't think it was so serious and kept reassuring her family that she'd be home for Christmas. “Six weeks ago, her brother John went out (to visit her). She thought she'd be cleared,†he added. “We were talking to her each day, she was upbeat, saying everything was going well and her lawyers were positive. She was planning to be home for Christmas and was going to take a trip to New Zealand on her way back.†Since Annie was convicted last Friday, her family have been unable to contact her as she has been remanded in custody. The case was adjourned for her lawyers to present a psychological report today (Friday), so Shay said they are hopeful that she can phone them tomorrow (Saturday). Sentencing is not due until next February, however he said that Annie's lawyers will ask for sentencing to be brought forward as soon as possible, so that the appeal can begin. The court case was heard over three days, lasting about 20 hours, while the jury spent another 13 hours deliberating over their decision. “I'm coming round to feeling that at least that door is left open (the appeal),†said Shay. “It's terrible to be hit with that sort of verdict and to your daughter.†“I don't think we'd get through this without the wonderful support and help of our friends, neighbours and friends of Annie's,†he said. “We've had callers to the house, cards, mass cards and people praying for her. It's just a nightmare and the fact that we can't get to see her, but we hope to speak to her on Saturday. I also want to thank the Irish Embassy, they've been a great help as well.â€