Courts / Donegal / Report

Gardai never offered rape accused an interpreter, lawyers say

Date
2019-10-25

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Donegal

County
Donegal

Summary

A 33-year-old non-national man and a 29-year-old co-accused, both resident in Donegal, have pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape following an alleged incident in February 2015. The case is being heard before the Central Criminal Court with a jury and Judge Alex Owens. Defence counsel for the older accused contended that gardaí never offered him an interpreter, despite his non-English-speaking background. A garda witness who supervised custody said he would have provided an interpreter had he observed any comprehension difficulties, and stated the defendant never indicated he required one. The officer noted neither the accused nor his solicitor raised concerns during interviews exceeding two hours in duration. Counsel highlighted that gardaí questioned the defendant about the legal definition of rape towards the end of one interview, suggesting possible understanding issues. The garda witness maintained this reflected standard practice and that the defendant conversed adequately in English. The trial resumed on Wednesday before the jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai never offered rape accused an interpreter, lawyers say. Charges or matters: two counts of rape of the woman in a town in the county in February 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When: