Jackson belatedly sees sense over his actions

IT took him 10 days but Paddy Jackson has finally shown some contrition for his actions. In the wake of his acquittal in the so-called Ulster rugby rape trial, Jackson’s response was notably devoid of any sense of humility. Lawyers representing the former Ireland international out-half hit out at the investigation into the alleged rape, saying it was his status as a famous sportsman that drove the decision to prosecute.

By contrast, his fellow defendant Stuart Olding apologised right away to the young woman for any hurt caused, adding it was never his intention to cause any upset to anyone on that night.

Jackson followed up by issuing legal proceedings against Labour Party Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin for comments he made in the wake of the trial – and made a wide-ranging threat to sue anyone else who criticised him in a way he deemed defamatory.

A week later and the tune has changed.

The Ulster rugby player says he is ashamed the woman who accused him left his home distressed, has apologised for engaging in “degrading and offensive” WhatsApp chats and said he has betrayed his family’s values. He accepts the criticism of his behaviour is fully justified.

Jackson has finally seen sense. His statement deserves to be acknowledged as going some way to showing he regrets his behaviour.

But there is substantial damage which can’t be undone.