RUGBY RAPE TRIAL JURY MUST REACH UNANIMOUS VERDICTS
Judge warns panel they must be sure of defendants’ guilt to convict
Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Blane Mcilroy & Rory Harrison yesterday morning the judge took the eight men and three women of the jury through the final areas of the case for an hour.
Finishing around midday, she told the jurors to consider the case for and against each defendant separately.
She added: “Your only task is to decide whether the prosecution has made you sure of the defendants’ guilt.”
They began their deliberations at 12.40pm but were sent home at 3.57pm and asked to return this morning at 10am, when Judge Smyth said she would answer any questions.
Before they left she thanked them for their time and reminded them not to discuss the trial with anyone.
Jackson, 26, from Belfast’s Oakleigh Park and 25-year-old Olding, of Ardenlee Street in the city, deny raping the same woman after a night out in Belfast on June 28, 2016.
Jackson denies a further charge of sexual assault.
Mcilroy, 26, of Royal Lodge Road in Belfast denies exposure. Harrison, 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, has pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice and withholding information. THE jury in the rape trial of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding retired yesterday to consider six charges.
Judge Patricia Smyth told them: “The only verdict I can accept is a unanimous verdict, a verdict in respect of which all 11 of you agree.”
She said if they could not reach a decision she would call them back and provide further direction.
The case at Belfast Crown Court was scheduled to last for five weeks but yesterday entered its ninth.
During the trial they listened to testimony from the four accused – Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Blane Mcilroy and Rory Harrison.
And they heard how police had quizzed the four rugby players over the course of 25 separate interview sessions that lasted a total of 17 hours and 34 minutes between June and October 2016.
The 21-year-old complainant gave testimony during eight days in the witness box and medical and forensic experts and character witnesses gave evidence before five barristers delivered their closing speeches. Yesterday