Irish rugby stars face court on rape charges

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, both accused of rape, have arrived at court for a hearing that will determine whether their case should proceed to trial.

Irish rugby stars face court on rape charges

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, both accused of rape, have arrived at court for a hearing that will determine whether their case should proceed to trial.

The committal hearing in Belfast is the first occasion Jackson, 25, and Olding, 24, are required to attend court proceedings since they were charged.

Their lawyers are expected to urge a district judge at Belfast's Laganside courts to throw the case out.

He judge will hear prosecution and defence submissions before deciding whether the available evidence is strong enough to return the pair for Crown Court trial.

Both men deny all allegations against them.

They are accused of raping the same woman at a property in south Belfast in June last year.

Olding, of Ardenlee Street, Belfast, is charged with two counts of rape.

Jackson, from Oakleigh Park, Belfast, is accused of one count of rape and one of sexual assault.

Fly-half Jackson has been capped for Ireland 25 times and centre Olding has played four times. They are established stars for Ulster Rugby.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have said they will not play again until court proceedings conclude.

Two other men also face charges connected with the incident.

Blane McIlroy, 25, from 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.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Irish constitution referenda Transport Minister does not envisage congestion charges in near future
McEntee: Group using arson to 'sow division and fear' in communities Four arrests in connection with fire at hotel earmarked for asylum seekers
Military accident Two further deaths on Irish roads after collisions in Roscommon and Dublin
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited