He is a ‘good guy’, says lifelong friend

A LIFELONG family friend described Paddy Jackson as a ‘good guy’ yesterday.

Dr Katie Donaldson, a registrar in intensive care, was called as a character witness for Mr Jackson at his rape trial yesterday.

Ms Donaldson, who said she has known Mr Jackson for 15 or 16 years, told the court she had never seen him lose his

temper. ‘Paddy is always very considerate in his interactions with people. He is calm, very friendly and enjoys making people laugh. He’s a good guy.

‘I don’t think his character has changed in the time I have known him. It is always the same – kind, caring and very generous,’ she said.

She told the court that Mr Jackson’s sporting success has ‘never been driven by people admiring him’.

‘I don’t think privilege or accolade have ever driven him.

‘He has had a likeable lack of self-importance during the time I have known him.

‘His interactions with me, my friends, my brother and sister is always calm, considerate, caring and polite,’ she said.