Courts / Westmeath / Report
Complainant tells trial she didn't think rape accused's family would help her
Summary
An alleged rape victim, aged 33, testified at the Central Criminal Court that she did not seek help from the accused's mother and sister because she did not believe they would assist her. The victim, who was 33, was staying at a friend's house after a New Year's Eve party at a GAA clubhouse. She agreed to return to the accused's home to sleep, but the accused allegedly attacked and raped her minutes after arrival. She claimed she fell asleep on the couch, woke to find the accused still awake, and heard the accused's mother and sister speaking in a room. She said she repeatedly pleaded for a ride home, and the accused promised to drive her after the family left. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. The accused, a 33‑year‑old Westmeath man, denies the rape. The victim's medical evidence showed bruising consistent with a forced assault. The case remains in trial.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Complainant tells trial she didn't think rape accused's family would help her. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 1, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- New Year's Eve Incident
- New Year's Day Other
- 2020-07-23 Publication
Why: An alleged rape victim has told a jury that that she did not seek help from the mother and sister of her alleged attacker because she did not think they would help her. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Mullingar
- Mullingar hospital
Topics
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