Northern Ireland

Rugby rape trial: Reporting restrictions lifted with agreement of acquitted men

(l-r) Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Blane McIlroy and Rory Harrison. Photos: Hugh Russell 
(l-r) Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Blane McIlroy and Rory Harrison. Photos: Hugh Russell  (l-r) Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Blane McIlroy and Rory Harrison. Photos: Hugh Russell 

Reporting restrictions surrounding the rape trial of two Ireland rugby internationals have been lifted.

Lawyers representing four men involved in the high-profile case told a brief hearing at Belfast Crown Court they had no objections.

Judge Patricia Smyth said: "The only order that I need to make is that the prohibitions are now discharged. I make that order forthwith.

Stuart Olding's defence barrister tried to have trial halted over Naomi Long tweet

"The other prohibitions will fall away by statute."

A number of media outlets had challenged the reporting restrictions which barred publication of any legal argument or applications made in the absence of the jury.

Such restrictions usually fall away when a trial concludes because the risk of prejudicing a jury no longer exists.

But when the trial concluded two weeks ago Judge Smyth indicated they would remain in place.

Rory Best appearance at rugby rape trial sparked social media frenzy

Paddy Jackson (26) and his Ireland and Ulster teammate Stuart Olding (25) were unanimously acquitted of raping the same woman after a nine-week trial at Belfast Crown Court last month.

Jackson was also found not guilty of sexual assault.

The players' friends Blane Mcllroy (26) and Rory Harrison (25) were also unanimously acquitted of lesser charges connected to the alleged incident in June 2016.

McIlroy was found not guilty of exposure while Harrison was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice and withholding information.

Pornographic video Rory Harrison sent to Stuart Olding hours after alleged attack not revealed to jury

Gerry Simpson QC, representing a number of print and broadcast news organisations, said: "Our application is that there is no longer any prohibition in reporting any matter which occurred in open court."

Frank O'Donoghue QC, representing Olding said: "The defendants are all now in a position to consent to the application."

Solicitor Pat Kelly, representing McIlroy, added: "We are not opposing."

Judge Smyth added: "Everyone is in agreement that the application should be lifted."

Meanwhile, restrictions preventing publication of the identity of a number of witnesses linked to the complainant remain in place at this stage.

Mr Simpson said he intended to take instruction on whether or not this would be challenged.

  • Stuart Olding's defence barrister tried to have trial halted over Naomi Long tweet
  • Rory Best appearance at rugby rape trial sparked social media frenzy
  • Protesters say they will hold legal and lawful demonstration at the home of Ulster Rugby