Witness tells trial of opening door in early hours to find woman in "very distressed state"

A Longford man has pleaded not guilty to charges including rape, false imprisonment, breaching a barring order, and assault causing harm at the Central Criminal Court. The prosecution alleges he abducted and assaulted a woman following her obtaining a barring order against him. A witness testified that he answered his door in the early hours of Sunday, 8 November 2015, to find a woman in severe distress who reported being pursued. The witness told prosecuting counsel Brendan Grehan SC that the woman was crying, trembling, and bore visible marks on her neck. She stated she had been held overnight at a neighbouring property and said she had pretended compliance with her former partner due to threats to her life. The witness confirmed he contacted gardaí, who confirmed they were searching for the woman. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury continues.