TINDER RAPE RAP

Man accused of raping student days after meeting her on dating website

A MAN has gone on trial accused of raping a university student he met on dating website Tinder.

The Central Criminal Court heard yesterday the alleged victim downloaded the app in September 2014 and began exchanging messages with the accused. It was claimed the pair, who are both entitled to anonymity throughout the trial, arranged a date three days after their first online meeting. The court heard the accused collected the woman outside her home and drove her to a Mcdonald’s, where they bought ice-cream and coffee. Lawyer Alexander Owens said the jury would hear evidence the pair went for a drive and the accused became “extremely angry” when his date rebuffed his sexual advances. The barrister said the Co Louth defendant, who has pleaded not guilty, ordered the alleged victim out of his car and drove away. He added: “It was after 10pm. This woman was stuck out there in the [Dublin] mountains and had no phone communication.” It is alleged the accused then drove back and said to the complainant: “Get back into the car.” Mr Owens added the woman did as she was asked. The court heard the alleged victim will give evidence that the accused then drove her further up Kilmashogue Lane, Rathfarnham, South Dublin, where he allegedly raped her. Mr Justice Paul Butler warned the jury not to search the internet in relation to any people involved in the case. The alleged victim is expected to give evidence today with the trial expected to last one week.