Jury sworn in as Ireland rugby players face rape trial
A jury has been sworn in to hear the trial of two Ulster and Ireland rugby players accused of raping the same woman in south Belfast.
Paddy Jackson and his teammate Stuart Olding, who are both from Belfast, deny raping her at Jackson’s home in June 2016.
Before beginning the process of selecting a jury to hear what’s expected to be a five week trial, Judge Patricia Smyth introduced each of the four accused to the first group of potential jurors brought into the courtroom.
Paddy Jackson was asked to stand up and Judge Smyth said he was charged with offences of a sexual nature.
She described him as an international Irish rugby player who also plays professionally for Ulster.
His club and country teammate, Stuart Olding, was then asked to stand. He also denies raping the same woman at Jackson’s home in June 2016.
Blane McIlroy (aged 24) of Royal Lodge Road in Belfast has pleaded not guilty to exposure, and a fourth man, Rory Harrison from Manse Road in Belfast city, denies perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
Judge Smyth asked potential jurors to identify themselves if they were season ticket holders of had ever worked for or volunteered for Ulster Rugby.
The trial is due to begin hearing evidence tomorrow.
