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Jury deliberating in rape trial
Summary
The jury has begun deliberations in the Westmeath rape trial of a 33‑year‑old man. He pleaded not guilty to raping a woman he met at a New Year's Eve ball at a GAA clubhouse. The complainant, who was visiting a friend, said she had no choice but to stay at the accused's house after the ball. She claimed they kissed, she told him there would be no sexual activity, but he entered his home, attacked and raped her in the front sitting room. The accused maintains the encounter was consensual and that he apologized after the act, not admitting guilt. The prosecution's closing speech highlighted the complainant's account of a violent attack and medical evidence of bruising, while the defence argued inconsistencies in the complainant's statements and witnesses. The jury will return on Tuesday for further deliberations.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in rape trial. Charges or matters: rape at his home in Westmeath on January 1, 2017. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 1, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2 Other
- New Year's Eve Incident
- 2020-07-31 Publication
Why: The man's evidence is that he apologised to the woman because she became upset after they had penetrative sex but that his apology was to calm her down and wasn't an admission of guilt, Ms Crowe said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: rape at his home in Westmeath on January 1, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Trial Violent Crime
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