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Jurors told they must put aside any feelings they may have about accused's nationality or Islamic faith

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, jurors were instructed by Mr Justice Tony Hunt to set aside any feelings about the accused's Pakistani nationality or Islamic faith while deliberating a rape case involving a woman with Down syndrome. The 34‑year‑old accused, who pleaded not guilty to rape, sexual assault and having sex with a mentally impaired person, admitted some sexual contact but claimed it was consensual and that he was unaware of her disability. He stated he had never heard of Down syndrome until his arrest and explained that in his country people with mental disabilities were kept at home or in hospitals and wore name badges. Mr Justice Hunt emphasized that jurors must approach the case without prejudice or sympathy, focusing on the charge of rape and, if not proven, an alternative of attempted rape.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jurors told they must put aside any feelings they may have about accused's nationality or Islamic faith. Charges or matters: rape, sexual assault and having sex with a mentally impaired person at his Dublin home on June 12, 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 12, 2013 Incident
• 2015-12-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report