Rape accused told gardai he was "very very sorry", trial hears

A man from Donegal Town is on trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of rape alleged to have occurred in July 2012. During garda interviews following the incident, the accused stated he was "very very sorry" and acknowledged attempting sexual contact without consent. He told investigators he had initially provided false accounts because he feared his parents would believe him to be a rapist. The accused claimed he ceased his actions when the woman objected and that the pair subsequently sat together before parting ways. He acknowledged awareness that the woman had sustained an injury during the encounter. When questioned by gardaí regarding why he did not contact her afterwards, he suggested concern about her potential embarrassment. The accused has entered a not guilty plea. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury comprised of twelve members.