Courts / Ireland / Report
First trial opens at CCJ since lockdown
Summary
In a Westmeath case, a 33‑year‑old man was tried at the Central Criminal Court for raping a woman at his home on 1 January 2017, an act described as penal penetration of her anus. He pleaded not guilty. The trial, the first to open at the CCJ since the Covid‑19 lockdown, was scheduled to last seven days. Judge Paul McDermott explained that special arrangements had been made to minimise risk, including two‑metre spacing, the option for jurors to wear masks and gloves, rigorous cleaning, and protective screens. The jury panel, composed of seven men and five women, was empanelled with some jurors seated in single chairs at the back of the courtroom and others in spaced‑out seating in the jury box. The judge thanked the jurors for serving during this period and emphasised the importance of social distancing throughout the proceedings.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: First trial opens at CCJ since lockdown. Charges or matters: raping the woman by penal penetration of her anus on January 1, 2017. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 1, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-07-20 Publication
Why: He said "special arrangements had been made because of the Covid-19 issues at play" adding that these measures were taken following "extensive consultation with health authorities". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: raping the woman by penal penetration of her anus on January 1, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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