Courts / Ireland / Report

Defence ask rape trial jury if its plausible that teenage girl didn't try to raise alarm

Summary

Closing speeches were delivered at the Central Criminal Court for two of three men accused of raping a then-teenage 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, aged 23, who pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape, is scheduled to deliver his closing speech tomorrow. Defence counsel argued that the complainant's evidence contained inconsistencies and suggested she may have manipulated information to distance herself from her actions. Counsel for the second defendant questioned the plausibility of the complainant not raising an alarm after being allegedly raped in succession by three men. Counsel for the first defendant highlighted the absence of DNA evidence linking his client to the complainant and suggested an alternative verdict of sexual assault might be open to the jury. Both defence teams urged the jury to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that their clients knew or were reckless about the lack of consent. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and the jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Defence ask rape trial jury if its plausible that teenage girl didn't try to raise alarm. Charges or matters: rape; sexual assault; oral rape. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 20, 2017 Incident
• December 27 Other
• 2023-03-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report