Courts / Donegal / Report

Alleged rape victim (18) breaks down in cross-examination

Summary

An 18-year-old woman testified at the Central Criminal Court regarding allegations that she was raped in Donegal Town on March 18, 2016, following St Patrick's Day celebrations. The woman, who was 16 at the time of the alleged incident, described the assault occurring in a passage-way behind a building in the town. During cross-examination on the third day of trial, she became distressed while recounting details of the alleged offence. She stated that she had attempted to mentally distance herself from the experience. The accused, aged 19, has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of oral rape. The defence counsel questioned aspects of her recollection, including her consumption of approximately five vodkas, two cocktails, and a shot of sambuca consumed over two and a half hours. The woman confirmed she had reported the allegations to a family member three days after the incident. The trial before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Alleged rape victim (18) breaks down in cross-examination. Charges or matters: one count of rape and one of oral rape of the girl in the town following St Patrick's Day celebrations on March 18, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 18, 2016 Incident
• 2018-07-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report