Belfast rape trial: Accused men boasted about sexual activity

Prosecuting counsel reads an agreed list of texts into the court record

A jury in the rape trial of Ireland and Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding has heard detailed evidence of text exchanges between the accused boasting about sexual activity.

Prosecuting counsel Toby Hedworth QC read an agreed list of texts into the record including several from Blane McIlroy, who is accused of exposing himself to the then 19-year-old complainant directly after she was allegedly raped by the Ireland rugby players.

The trial has heard Mr McIlroy told police the woman consensually masturbated and performed oral sex on him as she lay on the bed beside Mr Jackson.

The complainant has said there was no sexual contact. She alleges he thrust his penis at her and said: “You f***ed those guys. Why not me?”

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Mr Jackson told police he never saw Mr McIlroy in the room.

The day after the alleged rape, at 1.08pm Mr McIlroy posted to a WhatsApp group entitled “The Juicers” a picture on him on a sofa with three female party guests. It was captioned “love Belfast sluts”.

Another friend joined in the texts saying: “Boys, did you lads spit roast lasses? Legends!! ... why are we all such legends?” to which Blane McIlroy responds: “I know. It’s ridiculous.”

At 11.49am that day Mr Jackson posted photos of the women at the party to the group. Another friend asked: “Who are they? Brassers?”

Mr McIlroy responded “Aye” and the friend replied “f***ing fantastic.”

Two days after the alleged rape, at 11.28am, Mr McIlroy sent a message to a friend stating: “Pumped a bird with Jacko on Monday. Roasted her. Then another on Tuesday night.”

This was sent shortly before Mr Jackson and Mr Olding were taken in for questioning that day.

Mr Jackson (26), of Oakleigh Park, Belfast has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault in the early hours of June 28th, 2016 at a party in his house. Mr Olding (24), of Ardenlee Street, Belfast, denies one count of rape on the same occasion. Both men contend the activity was consensual.

Mr McIlroy (26), of Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, has pleaded not guilty to one count of exposure while Rory Harrison (25), from Manse Road, Belfast, pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice and withholding information relating to the incident.

The trial continues Wednesday afternoon before Judge Patricia Smyth and a jury of eight men and three woman.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times