Courts / Ireland / Report
'Getting into a car with four lads is not consent to sex,' prosecution tell jury
Summary
Closing submissions have begun in the Central Criminal Court trial of three men accused of raping a then-17-year-old girl in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017. The first defendant, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The second defendant, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant, also 23, pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape. Prosecuting counsel Alice Fawsitt SC argued that the complainant's entry into the vehicle did not constitute consent to sexual activity, countering defence claims that the interaction was consensual. She highlighted that the complainant stated she said no to requests for sex and became frightened, while the defendants alleged she showed no distress. The third defendant testified that he believed the complainant offered him oral sex and that the second car was collected for comfort, denying any forcing. The prosecution suggested the defendants were reckless regarding consent. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and the jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Getting into a car with four lads is not consent to sex,' prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: rape; sexual assault; oral rape. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 20, 2017 Incident
- 2023-03-28 Publication
Why: He said he told the complainant's friend they were stopped by gardai because the girls were "ringing and ringing". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Defendant
Defendant
Defendant
Charges: rape; oral rape; sexual assault (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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