Crime & Law

Jury visits the scene of alleged rape at Belfast house

Nine men and three women on the jury visit location of alleged assualt during party in 2016

Rugby players Paddy Jackson (left) and Stuart Olding deny the charges against them. Photograph: PA
Fri Feb 09 2018 - 14:18

A jury in the rape trial of two Irish rugby players has visited the scene of the alleged crime.

The nine men and three women of the jury travelled to Oakleigh Park in Belfast, the home of Paddy Jackson, where a 21-year-old student alleges she was raped on June 28th, 2016 when she was 19 years-old.

Judge Patricia Smyth, who is presiding over the high-profile case, also attended.

Mr Jackson (26), of Oakleigh Park, Belfast is charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault and Stuart Olding (24), of Ardenlee Street, Belfast, is charged with one count of rape. Both men deny the charges.

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Blane McIlroy (26), of Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, is accused of one count of exposure.

Rory Harrison (25), from Manse Road, Belfast, is charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information. They all deny the charges.

The case continues. - PA