Harrison tells rape case jury he did not use ‘weasel words’
THE defence case in the rape trial of two Ireland and Ulster rugby players has concluded, Belfast Crown Court has been told.
The jury of eight men and three women have heard all the evidence relating to the high-profile case, which is in its seventh week.
Judge Patricia Smyth said the trial would enter its next phase, where prosecution and defence legal teams would have an opportunity to address the jury on evidence it has heard.
Discharging them until tomorrow, the judge said: “Please do not reach any final views, even in your own mind, and do not discuss any verdict until you have heard everything.”
Paddy Jackson (26), of Belfast’s Oakleigh Park, Belfast, and Stuart Olding (25), from Ardenlee Street, deny raping the same woman after a night out in the city in June 2016.
Exposure
Mr Jackson denies a further charge of sexual assault.
Two others are also facing charges connected to the alleged sex attack.
Blane McIlroy (26), of Royal Lodge Road in Belfast, has pleaded not guilty to exposure, while Rory Harrison (25), from Belfast’s Manse Road, denies perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
Mr Harrison was the last of the four defendants to give evidence in his own defence.
He returned to the witness box of courtroom number 12 in the Laganside complex having given evidence during a special sitting on Saturday.
After almost two hours of cross-examination by the prosecution, barrister Gavan Duffy QC confirmed the defence case was “formally closed”.
Earlier, history graduate Mr Harrison denied he was “delegated” to look after the complainant in the aftermath of the alleged attack.
Prosecutor Toby Hedworth QC put it to the court: “It was noted how much of a state she was in and you, either of your own volition, or it was delegated by one of your friends, to get her home.”
“No, that’s not right,” Mr Harrison said.
The rape is alleged to have happened during a party at Mr Jackson’s home after a night out at Ollie’s club in Belfast on June 28, 2016.
Mr Harrison denied he had put “misplaced” loyalty to his friends above the interests of a young woman who had been “traumatised by what had been done to her” upstairs at Mr Jackson’s house.
“Regrettably, however good an upbringing you have had or whatever good family you undoubtedly come from, sadly you have put loyalty to your friends first,” Mr Hedworth said.
Mr Harrison replied: “I disagree with you.”
The court has previously heard that Mr Harrison had been living and working in Dublin in June 2016.
It was his 24th birthday when police arrived at his home to take a witness statement on June 30, 2016.
He denied delivering a “party line” during his statement and in subsequent interviews under caution in October of the same year.
The case has been adjourned until tomorrow to facilitate legal argument.
Closing speeches are expected to be heard then.