Courts / Louth / Report

Rape accused sent "smiley face" after alleged incident, trial hears

Summary

A 36‑year‑old man from Louth pleaded not guilty to rape at Kilmashogue Lane on 11 September 2014. The alleged victim, a 31‑year‑old university student, said she met the accused on Tinder, exchanged WhatsApp messages, and arranged a date. She claimed the man drove her to a rural road, forced her into his car, and after a brief kissing session, forced her to lie down, removed her clothes, and raped her. She said she resisted, but the accused allegedly stopped her resistance and raped her. After the incident, he sent her a WhatsApp with a smiley face, which she deleted. During cross‑examination, the defence argued the encounter was consensual, but the victim rejected this. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Rape accused sent "smiley face" after alleged incident, trial hears. Charges or matters: rape at Kilmashogue Lane on September 11, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 11, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 11 Incident
• 2017-05-26 Publication

Why: The man told her "it's grand, get in" and she got in because she felt like she didn't have a choice. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report