Rugby players must be presumed innocent

RAPE is the most humiliating and cynical of crimes. Quite rightly, the stigma attached to those found guilty is profound and long-lasting.

It is precisely for this reason that the presumption of innocence upon those accused of rape and sexual assault is absolute unless or until a jury finds against the accused.

Therefore, it is with dismay that I read of an elected politician questioning the right of fellow rugby players to attend the trial of two Ulster players accused of such offences.

While I am certain that Paula Bradshaw did not set out to subvert the presumption of innocence, the effect of her intervention is, in my view, potentially dangerous.

A reasonable interpretation of her asking Ulster Rugby what guidance they provided to players is that she did not think they should have attended.

I have no doubt that some people, after viewing day one of the trial on the news, will have already attributed guilt, but those of us who have even a passing respect for due process must reaffirm that those accused are entirely innocent until the facts are determined by 12 members of our community, chosen randomly.

Given the high profile of the case and the unreasonable expectation of the jurors that they should not have sight of any outside reporting, it is also vital people in high-profile positions do not discuss any aspect of the case, thus raising its profile further; rather, let the process deliver justice as best it can.

DANIEL WATSON By email