Courts / Dublin / Report

Girl's evidence can't be relied upon, lawyers tell rape trial jury

Date
2020-12-08

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a rape trial at the Central Criminal Court, lawyers for a 17‑year‑old accused of raping a 15‑year‑old girl in a public park argue that the complainant's testimony cannot be relied upon. The defense counsel, Michael Bowman SC, contends that teenagers may lie to avoid trouble and that the defendant, a 16‑year‑old with no prior convictions, was frightened and reluctant to speak. He highlights inconsistencies in the girl's statements, including a claim that she was with a friend when her mother called, and a photograph sent to her mother that shows her with a friend. Bowman also points to CCTV footage suggesting the girl was in control after leaving the bushes, countering the prosecution's portrayal of her as incapacitated. The prosecution, led by Garnet Orange SC, maintains the defendant is a "repeated liar" based on his police interviews. The jury of nine women and three men will deliberate tomorrow. The unnamed 15-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Girl's evidence can't be relied upon, lawyers tell rape trial jury. Charges or matters: one count of rape and not guilty to one count of sexual assault at a park in south Dublin on April 13, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

April 13, 2019 Incident
2020-12-08 Publication

Why: Counsel for the now 17-year-old accused also told jurors that teenagers sometimes don't tell the truth because they don't want to get into trouble. CNI source report