Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Doc: Most victims do not fight back.. Olding’s DNA on clothing of complainant
Witness also disputes evidence from video of medical examination
continues? Does that have an effect on judgement? Dr Hall said; “Yes.”
Mr Harvey asked: “In the sense people do things without fully appreciating the consequences?”
Dr Hall said: “Yes that’s correct.” The barrister added: “It can affect short term memory?” Dr Hall agreed. Mr Harvey said: “Judgment may be clouded by alcohol.” Dr Hall agreed.
The lawyer added: “Even if drinking has stopped, alcohol levels can still increase? The witness said: “Yes, due to levels of absorption and the speed
BELFAST CROWN COURT YESTERDAY
of the drinking.” Mr Harvey said: “It can affect balance.” Dr Hall replied: “Certainly.”
Counsel said: “And mood? Something that was ill-judged but you still feel good about it.”
Dr Hall replied: “Yes.”
Mr Harvey added: “And when alcohol levels decrease there can be a change of mood, feeling down or depressed.” Dr Hall agreed.
Mr Harvey asked: “And regret can be felt, as in why did I do that?”
Dr Hall said: “Yes, and remorse.” Mr Harvey continued: “On the way down memory can be clouded or fragmented adding to a further distress.” Dr Hall said: “Yes.”
Mr Harve put it to her: “A low mood sets in, people can be interviewed at that stage but the remorse which may occur can lead to further problems.” Dr Hall said special measures were put in place to ensure people interviewed were assessed as stable enough not to risk doing harm to themselves.
She said: “That is a critical evaluation we make.” Dr Hall added consumption “makes us behave in ways we wouldn’t normally behave in.”
Mr Hedworth put it to Dr Hall: “Alcohol reduces inhibitions, creates arousal and DNA belonging to rape accused Stuart Olding was found on clothing worn by the alleged victim, a court heard yesterday.
A witness from the Forensic Science Northern Ireland said she had also worked on a blood sample found on a duvet cover removed from Paddy Jackson’s bed.
Each of the blood samples found on a pair of underpants, white jeans and the duvet matched the alleged victim.
DNA found on a black sequined, sleeveless top, white jeans and pants worn by the woman were matched to Olding using a test for acid phosphatose which is found in high levels in sperm.
Mr Hedworth said of the black top: “Was there a match for Mr Olding’s semen?”
She replied: “It was DNA matched to Stuart Olding.”
The barrister asked: “The jeans were examined to see if there was semen present?”
The scientist replied: “Analysis matched it to DNA of Stuart Olding.”
About the alleged victim’s jeans she said: “There was no blood in the gusset. They were not worn while there was bleeding in the vaginal area.” The trial continues. leads to ill-judged behaviour but we feel good about it.”
Dr Hall said: “Yes.”
Mr Tedworth asked: “And what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander?” Dr Hall replied: “Absolutely.”
Jackson, 26, Oakleigh Park in Belfast, and Stuart Olding, 24, from Ardenlee Street, Belfast, deny raping the woman in Jackson’s home on June 28 2016. Jackson also denies sexual assault.
Blane Mcilroy, 26, with an address at Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, denies exposure.
Rory Harrison, 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, denies perverting the course of justice and withholding information. The trial continues.