COUNCILLOR: BUSINESSMAN RAPED ME AT THE K CLUB
EXCLUSIVE Gardaí interviewed ex-minister in inquiry into claim of sex attack at lavish resort
GARDAÍ are investigating allegations that a millionaire businessman raped a former councillor in a property at the five-star K Club. The married woman made a formal complaint that she was raped following a high-profile
event at the lavish golf resort.
An investigation was launched after she arrived at a Garda station with her husband and made a statement. Detectives then contacted colleagues in Celbridge, which covers the K Club area, and local gardaí visited the resort, which ‘fully cooperated’ and handed over all necessary CCTV footage.
The Irish Daily Mail understands that, on the night of the alleged rape, the woman and the businessman attended the event, as did a wellknown ex-government minister, who has been interviewed as part of the investigation. CCTV showed the
complainant in the company of the businessman before going to a property within the grounds of the hotel, ‘apparently very willingly’, according to sources.
Further CCTV depicts her leaving this property the following morning. From what can be deciphered from the footage, the woman seems ‘in good spirits’ and ‘bids him a very personal goodbye’.
It is understood that when gardaí interviewed the accused man he ‘immediately denied rape’ but said they had ‘consensual sex’. He provided gardaí with a DNA sample on request. The woman at the centre of the investigation was examined by medics at a sexual assault treatment unit, which is protocol when rape or sexual assault is alleged.
A medical report was later completed and handed over to investigating gardaí. It showed evidence that the woman had recently had sexual intercourse.
DNA linking the businessman to the former councillor was also established.
Following extensive investigations, detectives later sent a file to the DPP. It outlines the allegation of rape. It also outlined a ‘potential’ false report to gardaí by the married woman. Detectives did not recommend any particular charges. Instead, the Garda report outlined all the statements, circumstances and medical reports.
A senior source said: ‘It is a matter for the DPP to decide if any criminal charges are to be brought.
‘In this case, gardaí did not make a recommendation one way or the other.’
The source added: ‘The CCTV does appear to suggest that this man and woman were getting on well on the night in question, and the following morning, judging from their body language and interactions.’
However, gardaí are well aware that others do not know what goes on behind closed doors. Establishing rape is one of the most difficult crimes to prove and therefore one of the most difficult bring criminal charges against.
‘Gardaí are not in a position to say what happened between these two individuals,’ the source said.
‘One person alleges rape, the other strenuously denies it. Inves- tigating officers can have their own private views on this case, taking all the evidence into consideration.
‘But ultimately, this is one for the Director of Public Prosecutions to make a decision on without specific recommendations from An Garda Síochána.’
There are scores of houses and apartments within the K Club, both available to rent as well as privately owned on the grounds.
Many celebrities and well-known business people own properties at the luxury hotel and resort in Straffan, which became world famous when it hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006.
The Mail yesterday made repeated efforts, in a variety of ways, to contact the K Club spokesman but did not receive a comment ahead of publication.
DNA linked him to former councillor ‘It is now a matter for the DPP’