Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Senator sued over post-verdict tweet
Juror comments to be investigated
tion. If we use the PSNI’S own 2016/17 figures, it would suggest rape reports now have a 1.8% chance of getting a guilty verdict in Northern Ireland – when, if Home Office calculations are to be believed, 96% of victims are telling the truth.
The conviction rate for rape in England and Wales – where roughly 11 are reported every hour – is higher, at around 6%.
The PSNI said the growing number of rapes being reported in Northern Ireland was “positive” as more victims are coming forward.
But they would not be drawn on the drop in charges brought against alleged perpetrators – or the chasm between reports and convictions.
A total of 43 rape accused were charged with the offence in 2007/08, but nine years later that number was down to 34 despite the fact almost twice as many reports had been made.
The latest figures, however, could change as more charges introduced.
Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Mckee from the PSNI’S Public Protection Branch said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland takes reports of rape and serious sexual assault very seriously.
“We see the increase in the number of reports to the PSNI as a positive indicator in our approach to dealing with victims as communities become more confident in the service we deliver.
“Rape shouldn’t happen to anyone. If you find yourself the victim of sexual assault, it is important to remember that it isn’t your fault and you are not to blame.
“It is still an under-reported crime and we would encourage people to come are forwarded. At times, for a variety of reasons, the victim of this heinous crime does not wish to proceed to court and we will respect that decision. Sometimes reporting the crime and getting support and advice is what the victim wants at that particular time.
“I would like to take this opportunity to assure everyone that we as an organisation along with our partners will support victims throughout any case, keeping them updated and supporting them at every stage of the proceedings.”
If you have been affected by sexual violence and need support, you can email Victims Support at isva@ victimsupportni.org.uk or by calling 028 9024 3133 or 028 7137 0086. ONLINE comments posted by a juror in the rugby rape trial are being investigated by the Attorney General.
A spokesman for John Larkin’s office confirmed the matter had been referred to the region’s senior law officer by Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan.
Mr Larkin is to investigate whether the comments represent a breach of contempt of court laws.
Under law, jurors are not permitted to disclose details of their deliberations in any trial.
The remarks from the juror came hours after the unanimous not guilty verdicts and were posted below a story on the case on website Broadsheet.ie.
A PSNI spokesman said: “We are aware of comments made on a social media platform.”
Meanwhile, two people have been questioned by police in relation to naming the complainant in the case online.
A PSNI spokesman said: “There is an ongoing police investigation and two people have been interviewed in relation to an offence under section five PADDY Jackson is to sue a senator in the Republic over an alleged defamatory tweet related to the recent rape trial.
The Ulster and Ireland player is to take legal action against Labour’s Aodhan O Riordain over the tweet he posted after Mr Jackson’s acquittal.
In a statement issued by KRW Law in Belfast, the legal firm said the tweet was sent by Senator O Riordain to a number of other persons “before it was eventually taken down”.
Marie Hans, senior associate of KRW Law, said: “I can confirm we have issued pre-action libel correspondence against a named Senator in the Republic of Ireland.
“The of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.
“Two files have been forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service for consideration.”
The high-profile trial, which ran for 42 days, generated an unprecedented level of public attention and prompted calls from Jackson’s defence solicitor for a crackdown on social media comment during criminal proceedings. In another post-trial development, a number of media outlets are challenging reporting restrictions still placed on the case. Restrictions preventing reporting on legal exchanges that take place in the absence of the jury usually fall away once the case is over.
The issue has been listed for mention on April 25 but lawyers for press and broadcasters are trying to have the matter dealt with next week.
Ulster and Ireland stars Paddy Jackson, 26, and 25-year-old Stuart Olding were acquitted of rape after a nine-week trial at Belfast Crown Court.
Blane Mcilroy, 26, and Rory Harrison, 25, were found not guilty of lesser charges. legal action relates to a tweet sent to a number of other persons before it was eventually taken down.
“We will not hesitate to repeat similar legal action against anyone, who deliberately or otherwise, sees fit to attack our client.
“Regrettably, KRW LAW has had no option but to issue Notice of Intention to sue Senator O Riordain for defamatory comments made by him in the immediate aftermath of the jury’s verdict.”
A Labour Party spokesman told the Mirror yesterday: “Senator O Riordain won’t be commenting at this time. The Labour Party won’t be commenting at this time.”