Accused ‘drank a skinful’

THE court heard yesterday about Stuart Olding’s drink consumption on the night of the alleged rape.

It was heard that Mr Olding, who had returned from a tour of South Africa as part of the Ireland squad, had consumed eight tins of Carlsberg, four pints of Guinness, two gin and tonics, five vodkas with lemonade, five shots of tequila or sambuca, and another beer. He had also eaten pizza as well as a burger and chips.

‘To put it in jargon,’ prosecution lawyer Toby Hedworth said, ‘it was a bit of a skinful.’ Mr Hedworth continued: ‘The danger if you have had far too much to drink is the situation where people are doing things that are not only not appropriate but are downright wrong.’

Mr Olding answered: ‘For some people, yes, but I was in complete control of my actions.’

Mr hedwporth said: ‘If you had that amount of drink, there’s a danger of disregarding the wishes or views of another person if they get in the way of what you want to achieve.’

Mr Olding replied: ‘I wouldn’t agree with that.’