Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Jury’s visit to alleged rape house
Judge’s plan for members to see layout of property
THE jury at the trial of Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding visited the house where it is alleged the rapes took place.
Nine men and three women were transported to the property in Oakleigh Park, South Belfast, yesterday morning.
The visit was intended to allow the jury members to see inside the house where a woman alleges she was attacked.
They were accompanied by High Court Judge Patricia Smyth and legal officers.
Judge Smyth had told them earlier: “We have made arrangements for you to visit Mr Jackson’s home.
“The purpose of this visit is simply so you can see the layout of his house, the size of his house and the proximity of the rooms in the house.” After arriving at Jackson’s home, the jury members were taken in two groups of six to his bedroom.
When they returned back to Laganside courts, Judge Smyth reminded them not to carry out any research on the trial and urged them not to discuss proceedings with anyone.
She told them: “You are the only people who will hear all the evidence in this case.”
Members of the media were asked by Judge Smyth to stay away from the visit. Four men have been charged in connection with an alleged incident at an after-party to a night out in a Belfast club on June 28, 2016.
Paddy Jackson, from Oakleigh Park, and Stuart Olding, from Ardenlee Street in the city, and who have played for the Ulster and Irish rugby squads, deny raping the same woman at a house in South Belfast.
Jackson, 26, denies a further charge of sexual assault.
Former Ulster player Blane Mcilroy, 26, from Royal Lodge Road, Belfast, has pleaded not guilty to one count of exposure.
Former Belfast Harlequins player Rory Harrison, 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, denies perverting the course of justice and withholding information.