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Jury deliberating in trial of three accused of raping then-teenage girl

Summary

The jury in the trial of three defendants accused of raping a then-teenage girl in a hotel car park has begun deliberations. The State alleges that on December 20, 2017, in the Leinster area, the complainant went for a drive with her friend, the three accused, and another man. While the vehicle was stopped, the prosecution claims each defendant raped the woman. All three defendants deny wrongdoing. The first defendant (22) pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The second defendant (23) pleaded not guilty to rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant (23) pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape. Ms Justice Melanie Greally sent the jury home for the weekend after approximately 90 minutes of deliberation. During her charge, she noted the complainant's friend was unavailable due to circumstances beyond anyone's control and attributed trial delays to the pandemic. Defense counsel for the third defendant argued the issue was consent, stating his client admitted sexual activity but claimed it was consensual. He suggested the complainant's evidence lacked plausibility, citing her failure to see a security van and her positive messages to a friend later that night. He urged the jury to consider if the incident was a regretted 'misguided adventure' rather than a crime. The jury is due to continue deliberations on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in trial of three accused of raping then-teenage girl. Charges or matters: rape; sexual assault; oral rape. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 20, 2017 Incident
• 2023-03-31 Publication

Why: He suggested this was because there was "nothing to be rescued from". CNI source report

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report