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BBC journalist unanimously acquitted of rape charges

Sean O’Halloran was unanimously acquitted of rape at Derry Crown Court at Derry Crown Court
Sean O’Halloran was unanimously acquitted of rape at Derry Crown Court at Derry Crown Court Sean O’Halloran was unanimously acquitted of rape at Derry Crown Court at Derry Crown Court

A BBC journalist accused of rape and sexual assault has been unanimously acquitted of all charges.

Sean O’Halloran (30), a reporter with BBC Radio Foyle, wept and hugged family and friends as he left the dock at Derry Crown Court on Thursday following a four-day trial.

Mr O’Halloran, who lived at Northland Road in Derry, was charged with raping a woman following a house party in the city in May 2014.

He also faced two charges of sexual assault on the same date. Denying the charges, Mr O’Halloran said that while there had been sexual contact, it had been consensual.

Earlier this week, the court was told the incident occurred while the woman’s boyfriend slept downstairs. Character witnesses also told the court Mr O’Halloran was a “very polite and compassionate person” and was “respectful towards women.”

A jury of seven men and five women unanimously acquitted Mr O’Halloran on all counts after considering their verdict for less than an hour.