Westmeath man pleads not guilty to rape charge

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

A 33-year-old Westmeath man went on trial at the Central Criminal Court, accused of raping a woman at his home on 1 January 2017. He pleaded not guilty to anal rape. The proceedings were reported on 20 July 2020.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott told the jury panel that it was the first trial at the Courts of Criminal Justice since the Covid-19 lockdown. The trial was expected to last seven days.

Special arrangements followed consultation with health authorities. Jurors were seated apart and protective screens were installed. The jury comprised seven men and five women.