Rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding to be prosecuted for alleged rape

Ulster and Ireland rugby stars, Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, are to be prosecuted for alleged rape.

Rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding to be prosecuted for alleged rape

Ulster and Ireland rugby stars, Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, are to be prosecuted for alleged rape.

Paddy Jackson, 25, and Stuart Olding, 24, strenuously deny the offence, which was alleged to have happened in Belfast last June.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby said they took the allegations "extremely seriously" and announced both players would be "relieved of their duties and obligations" until the conclusion of the court process.

Given the length of time court proceedings take in Northern Ireland, it is likely both will miss the entirety of the coming season.

The men were arrested and questioned last summer. They were released pending a report being submitted to prosecutors in Northern Ireland.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said four men questioned in relation to the incident are to be prosecuted.

Jackson and Olding are to be prosecuted for rape.

Olding faces an additional count of sexual assault.

Another man is accused of sexual offences while the other faces counts of withholding information and perverting the course of justice.

Summons were served on the men on Monday. They will appear in court to face the charges next month.

Fly half Jackson has been capped for Ireland 25 times while centre Olding has played four times. The two Belfast men are established stars for Ulster Rugby.

Lawyers for Jackson and Olding stressed that the men denied the charges.

Jackson’s solicitor Kevin Winters said: "We are very disappointed at the decision of the PPS to prosecute, given the particular circumstances and facts known in this case

"Our client rejects completely the allegations made against him and we are confident he will be exonerated in due course

"Given that the case will be a jury trial it is absolutely critical that nothing is done or said in the media to prejudice due process and to that end we urge restraint on any sensationalist reporting.

"We will push for as early a hearing as possible as Patrick wants to quickly resume playing his rugby for Ulster and representing his country."

Olding’s solicitor Joe Rice said his client was determined to prove his innocence.

"It is disappointing that over a year since the original allegation was made that the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland has now issued a decision to prosecute," said Mr Rice.

"My client has co-operated fully with the police investigation. He is a man of impeccable good character and has never brought himself to the attention of the authorities previously.

"He is not subject to any bail conditions and he’s anxious to restore his good name through the court process in Northern Ireland, where the charge against him will be fully contested."

The PPS confirmed a decision has been taken to prosecute four men for offences relating to an allegation of rape on June 28 2016 in south Belfast.

A PPS spokesman said following a "careful review of all of the available evidence" and in accordance with its code for prosecutors it had been decided there was "sufficient evidence to prosecute four individuals".

He added: "As the criminal proceedings against these individuals have commenced and each has a right to a fair trial, it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings."

Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson
Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson

The IRFU and Ulster Rugby said they were aware that Jackson and Olding had been charged "in relation to serious allegations made against them".

"The players have co-operated fully and strenuously deny the charges," said the statement.

"The IRFU and Ulster Rugby take these allegations extremely seriously.

"To allow the players time to address this matter fully, the IRFU and Ulster Rugby have agreed that they will be relieved of their duties and obligations until the conclusion of this process.

"Appropriate support structures will be put in place with them during this time.

"As this is a matter for the Public Prosecution Service it would be inappropriate to comment further."

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Irish homelessness Government criticised for missing social and affordable housing targets
National Risk Assessment for Ireland Tánaiste urges Israel ‘to show humanity’ and allow more aid into Gaza
Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited