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Dublin, March 2018 |
How the ‘rugby rape trial’ divided Ireland
After a trial that dominated the news, the accused were all found not guilty. But the case had tapped into a deeper rage that has not died down. By Susan McKay
Tuesday 4 December 2018
The verdicts were unanimous and came swiftly. After a trial that had lasted nine weeks, with four defendants and multiple charges, the jury deliberated for just under four hours. On 28 March this year, Belfast’s largest criminal courtroom was packed to the doors – which were locked to prevent more onlookers from piling in. The jury foreman, a tall woman, stood up, and as the judge read out each of the charges, she replied: “Not guilty.”
