Courts / Dublin / Report

Rape accused led Spanish student off in 'menacing and predatory way', State tells jury

Date
2025-03-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin City

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin rape trial, the State presented a 33‑year‑old Louth defendant who is accused of raping a 19‑year‑old Spanish student on New Year's Eve. The prosecution argued that the defendant led the woman into a quiet area in a menacing and predatory manner, that she was heavily intoxicated and unable to consent, and that CCTV footage showed the pair meeting at a shop after she had vomited and then walking to a car park where the alleged rape occurred. The defence counsel highlighted "bizarre" elements, noting similarities between the woman's encounters with two men that night, and argued she was in full control of her faculties and capable of consenting. The jury was instructed to consider whether the woman could consent between 1.40 am and 2.17 am. The trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. The unnamed 33-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Rape accused led Spanish student off in 'menacing and predatory way', State tells jury. Charges or matters: one count of rape on January 1, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 1, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
New Year's Eve Incident
2025-03-04 Publication

Why: Mr McGillicuddy said he had not dwelt on the woman's sexual encounter with the second man that night, because the charge before the court related to the accused man only. CNI source report