Courts / Ireland / Report
Gang rape trial hears of evidence on underpants
Summary
The trial of four men accused of raping a teenage girl at the Central Criminal Court has heard forensic evidence regarding semen found on their clothing. The defendants, aged 17 to 19 at the time, have pleaded not guilty to charges including rape and sexual assault alleged to have occurred on December 27, 2016. A fifth man is not before the court. On day 14, forensic scientist Dr Laura Flanagan testified that underwear belonging to the driver contained semen from two individuals: the driver and a third defendant. During garda interviews, the driver denied penetrative sex, claiming he did not ejaculate, while the third defendant initially stated he was the first to have sex with the complainant. The driver later admitted lying in earlier statements but maintained his denial of intercourse. Another defendant, whose semen was found on his underpants and the complainant's top, told gardai he masturbated away from the car and denied any sexual contact with the victim. The garda witness confirmed the driver was charged in April 2018 and remanded on bail, with permission to travel for medical purposes. The matter is ongoing before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gang rape trial hears of evidence on underpants. Charges or matters: rape; sexual assault. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 27, 2016 Incident
- March 2017 Incident
- August 2017 Incident
- April 2018 Adjournment
- 2022-03-30 Publication
Why: A garda witness told the court that in August 2017 he re-arrested the driver in order to question him on the results of the DNA analysis. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: The garda witness agreed with Brendan Grehan SC, defending the driver, that his client was charged in April 2018 and remanded on bail.
Defendant
Outcome: The garda witness agreed with Brendan Grehan SC, defending the driver, that his client was charged in April 2018 and remanded on bail.
Defendant
Outcome: The garda witness agreed with Brendan Grehan SC, defending the driver, that his client was charged in April 2018 and remanded on bail.
Defendant
Outcome: The garda witness agreed with Brendan Grehan SC, defending the driver, that his client was charged in April 2018 and remanded on bail.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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