Courts / Donegal / Report

Rape accused told gardai he was "very very sorry", trial hears

Date
2016-02-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Donegal Town

County
Donegal

Summary

A man from Donegal Town is on trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of rape alleged to have occurred in July 2012. During garda interviews following the incident, the accused stated he was "very very sorry" and acknowledged attempting sexual contact without consent. He told investigators he had initially provided false accounts because he feared his parents would believe him to be a rapist. The accused claimed he ceased his actions when the woman objected and that the pair subsequently sat together before parting ways. He acknowledged awareness that the woman had sustained an injury during the encounter. When questioned by gardaí regarding why he did not contact her afterwards, he suggested concern about her potential embarrassment. The accused has entered a not guilty plea. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury comprised of twelve members.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Rape accused told gardai he was "very very sorry", trial hears. Charges or matters: rape of the woman in the alleyway of a Donegal town in July 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 2012 Incident
2016-02-23 Publication

Why: He said during interview he "told lies" about the incident previously because he was worried his parents would think he was a rapist. CNI source report