Courts / Dublin / Report

Gang Rape trial collapses as charges dropped

Summary

The trial of four Dublin men accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman at her home in December 2018 has collapsed at the Central Criminal Court. All charges against the accused were dropped via a nolle prosequi after the complainant, who is undergoing psychiatric treatment, was deemed unable to continue giving evidence. The State's application to allow her to testify via video link was unsuccessful. Mr Justice David Keane addressed the jury, noting the trial did not reach a natural conclusion after three weeks, and exempted them from jury service for 15 years. Reporting restrictions apply to all participants. The first accused, aged 25, had pleaded not guilty to oral rape and sexual assault. The second accused, also 25, pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The third accused, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, one oral rape, and a sexual assault. The fourth accused, aged 24, pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and sexual assault. The complainant alleged the men entered her home uninvited, forced her into sexual acts, and that one accused recorded the incidents on social media. She stated she was bleeding and sore when the men left. The matter was adjourned and concluded with the dropping of charges, not a conviction.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gang Rape trial collapses as charges dropped. Charges or matters: oral rape and sexual assault; rape and sexual assault; two counts of rape, one oral rape and a sexual assault; two counts of rape and sexual assault; oral rape; sexual assault; rape; two counts of rape. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 8 Incident
• 2023-10-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report