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Gang rape accused said he thought complainant 'might come to her senses' and go to gardai

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of four men accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in the midlands on December 27, 2016, continues before Justice Tara Burns and a jury. All four accused, aged between 22 and 24, have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The first accused (22) faces rape, two counts of sexual assault, and false imprisonment. The second accused (24) is charged with rape, two counts of sexual assault, oral rape, and false imprisonment. The third accused (24) faces an additional count of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and false imprisonment. The fourth accused (23) is charged with three counts of sexual assault. Prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC read interview memos where the first accused stated he believed the complainant might report the incident to gardaí. He alleged she was intoxicated and did not explicitly stop him, though he denied having sex with her, claiming he only touched her leg, belly, and breast. He admitted to deleting messages regarding the complainant's passport due to fear. The prosecution alleges the complainant was driven to a location where she was assaulted by the four accused and a fifth man not before the court. The trial is ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gang rape accused said he thought complainant 'might come to her senses' and go to gardai. Charges or matters: raping the then 17-year-old girl at a location in the midlands on December 27, 2016; rape; sexual assault; false imprisonment; oral rape. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 27, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-03-22 Publication

Why: He said he came back because he was sure of his innocence. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report