Woman denies making rape allegation in response to being "mocked"

A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence concerning an alleged rape in a Donegal town alleyway in July 2012. The accused has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The complainant, then eighteen years old, attended hospital that night with severe bleeding. During cross-examination, the defence counsel suggested the woman had fabricated the allegation in response to being questioned about a blood stain on her clothing by friends. The woman denied this assertion. The defence also contended she had sought to withdraw her statement because the allegation was untrue. The complainant explained she initially wished to withdraw because she felt frightened and wished to move past the incident, but later recognised the seriousness of the matter and chose to proceed. She described the accused's conduct and stated he disregarded her refusal of consent. The trial, before a jury of seven men and five women, continues.