Courts / Ireland / Report
Seven men face four-month trial on charges of raping deaf woman
Summary
Seven men, aged between 32 and 55, have gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court, each pleading not guilty to charges of raping a deaf woman. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, is expected to last four months, with a break at Christmas. The judge noted that the complainant requires interpreters and an intermediary, which will slow the proceedings. An extended jury panel of 15 was empanelled, and the trial is set to open next week. Accused A (55) pleaded not guilty to raping the woman between December 2009 and April 2011. Accused B (48) pleaded not guilty to a count spanning December 2008 to December 2010. Accused C (34) pleaded not guilty to raping the woman between February and December 2001, as well as to anally raping another woman between September 2013 and September 2014, and sexually assaulting a third woman between September 2005 and September 2006. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to a count from December 2006 to December 2007. Accused E (32) pleaded not guilty to a count from April to December 2003. Accused F (32) pleaded not guilty to a count from December 2007 to April 2010. Accused G (45) pleaded not guilty to a count from December 1996 to December 1997. Some accused face further charges next week. No parties can be named for legal reasons.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Seven men face four-month trial on charges of raping deaf woman. Charges or matters: one charge of raping the woman within the State on various dates; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2009 and April 2011; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2008 and December 2010; raping the woman on dates between February and December 2001; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2006 and December 2007; one count of raping the woman on dates between April and December 2003; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2007 and April. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2008 Other
- December 2010 Other
- December 2001 Other
- September 2013 Other
- September 2014 Other
- September 2005 Other
- September 2006 Other
- December 2006 Other
- December 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2003 Other
- April 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 1996 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1996 to 2011 Other
- Christmas Other
- New Year Incident
- 2025-10-03 Publication
Why: "Because of these challenges that face (the complainant), the process is going to be slower than usual," the judge said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: one charge of raping the woman within the State on various dates; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2009 and April 2011; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2008 and December 2010; raping the woman on dates between February and December 2001; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2006 and December 2007; one count of raping the woman on dates between April and December 2003; one count of raping the woman on dates between December 2007 and April (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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