Rape trial continues in absence of accused
A trial of a man accused of raping a 17-year-old girl is continuing in his absence.
The 42-year-old man has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping and sexually assaulting the then 17-year-old in a restaurant in Dublin on July 17, 2009.
It is alleged that the girl was raped in an office after being invited to the restaurant by the accused after meeting on the street along with a male and female friend of hers.
Mr Justice John Edwards, who is in the middle of charging the jury, told the jurors that he would be continuing with the trial in the accused’s absence as the man failed to appear for his trial today.
“We still don’t know the whereabouts of the accused, he may have suffered a mishap”, said Mr Justice Edwards.
The judge told the jury that the accused would be “ably” represented by his legal team and his interests were well protected in his absence.
“You are to draw absolutely no conclusion about his not being here,” said the judge.
The judge’s charge continues before the jury of seven women and four men.
