Northern Ireland

Rugby rape trial woman to resume testimony

Stuart Olding (left) and Paddy Jackson at Belfast Crown Court 
Stuart Olding (left) and Paddy Jackson at Belfast Crown Court  Stuart Olding (left) and Paddy Jackson at Belfast Crown Court 

THE woman at the centre of the trial of two rugby internationals accused of rape is expected to resume giving evidence today.

The 21-year-old has accused Ireland rugby player Paddy Jackson (26) and his 24-yearold Ulster team-mate Stuart Olding, from Ardenlee Street in Belfast, of raping her in the bedroom of Mr Jackson’s home in Oakleigh Park in the city in the early hours of Tuesday June 28 2016.

They deny the charges. Blane McIlroy (26), of Royal Lodge Road in Belfast, also denies one count of exposure and Rory Harrison (25), of Manse Road in the city, denies perverting the course of justice and withholding information.

The trial at Belfast Crown Court was paused yesterday for legal discussions.