Trial of teenager accused of rape unable to proceed for the third day

For the third day, the trial of a 16-year-old boy accused of raping a 16-year-old girl at a Christmas race meeting in Limerick could not proceed today because of a medical situation that arose for the accused.

For the third time, Mr Justice Paul McDermott sent the jury home for the day because the trial of three teenagers – including the absent boy – could not proceed in his absence.

However, the judge asked them to return the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork tomorrow, assuring them in relation to the absent defendant: “He will be here at 11am tomorrow… He will be back with us and we will proceed with the trial. It is important that I take every step that it comes to a conclusion for everyone.” 

Mr Justice Paul McDermott last week discharged a juror who became ill in court and the trial proceeded before a jury of nine women and two men.

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 the teenager 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, 2023. 

All three accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.