One of two boys accused of rape at racecourse collapses in the dock at Cork trial
Before the jury were even told to leave the room the teenager stood briefly and then collapsed to the floor. File picture: Larry Cummins
The jury in the Limerick racecourse teenage rape trial got to hear the first evidence all week on Friday but it only lasted for moments as the 15-year-old accused collapsed in the dock and the jury had to be sent away for the weekend.
Almost no evidence has been heard in trial this week.
Mr Justice McDermott was not available to sit on Monday, March 24, while the 15-year-old defendant (13 at the time of the alleged rape) was absent for medical reasons on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday the teenager was present with his two co-accused and the case resumed in front of the jury.
But only moments into the evidence, it was noticeable that that defendant, who had two crutches beside him in the dock, was grimacing and appeared to be in pain. Eventually, it was indicated to the judge that there should be a break.
However, before the jury were even told to leave the room the teenager stood briefly and then collapsed to the floor and was first assisted by his two co-accused. The jury then left the room and medical attention was summoned for the collapsed defendant.
Judge McDermott later recalled the jury and sent them away until Monday, March 31.
The judge apologised for the inconvenience but he said he was obliged to take whatever steps were necessary to ensure the smooth running of the trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.
The absent defendant, who was 13 at the time and is 15 now, and a co-accused who was 15 at the time and is now 17 are both charged with raping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a St Stephen’s Day 2022 race meeting at Limerick racecourse.
A third boy is accused of aiding and abetting the first two defendants in carrying out these offences and he is also charged with falsely imprisoning the girl.
It is alleged that the contested incidents occurred in a car in a field car park at Limerick racecourse at Patrickswell, County Limerick, on December 26, 2022. All three accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
