Courts / Mayo / Report
Woman sues retired garda sergeant for damages over alleged rape
Summary
The High Court trial of a civil damages claim brought by Joanne Quinn against retired Detective Sergeant Edward Justin Clarke is ongoing. Ms Quinn, 41, of Castlebar, Co Mayo, alleges she was stalked and sexually harassed by Mr Clarke between 2002 and 2005 while he investigated her prior abuse complaints. Mr Clarke admitted to a sexual relationship but pleaded it was consensual, denying the allegation of rape. Counsel for Ms Quinn, Martin Giblin SC, argued Mr Clarke abused his position of authority, specifically alleging rape on New Year's Eve 2002. Conversely, counsel for Mr Clarke, Roughan Banim SC, stated his client accepted the relationship was inappropriate due to his role but maintained it was not rape. Mr Banim noted Mr Clarke's 33 years of service and the severe personal impact of the allegations. Under cross-examination, Ms Quinn explained her delay in reporting was due to disbelief in her claims given Mr Clarke's status. The jury is tasked with resolving whether the sexual acts were consensual. The matter was adjourned and continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman sues retired garda sergeant for damages over alleged rape. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2002 and 2005 Incident
- New Year's Eve 2002 Incident
- 2014-02-05 Publication
Why: Counsel for Mr Clarke, Roughan Banim SC, said his client accepts that the sexual relations he had with Ms Quinn were inappropriate because of his position as a guard and her position as a victim of abuse. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
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