Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding trial: Alleged rape victim feared looking like 'stupid little girl'

A woman allegedly raped by two Irish international rugby stars did not want to go to the police because she did not want to end up looking like a "stupid little girl", a court has been told.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Feb 2018, 14:14 BST
Updated 1st Feb 2018, 19:07 BST
Ulster and Ireland rugby stars Stuart Olding and Paddy JacksonUlster and Ireland rugby stars Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson
Ulster and Ireland rugby stars Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson

She was giving evidence for a second day at the trial of 26-year-old Paddy Jackson and his 24-year-old Ireland and Ulster team mate Stuart Olding.

Belfast Crown Court heard how the woman, who cannot be named to protect her identity, told a friend via text: "No, I do not want to get the police involved. You know how that will turn out.

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"It's my word against theirs. Ulster Rugby will vouch for their good character and I'll just look like a stupid little girl."

Ireland and Ulster rugby player Stuart Olding arrives at Belfast Crown Court where he and his teammate Paddy Jackson are on trial accused of raping a woman at a property in south Belfast in June 2016Ireland and Ulster rugby player Stuart Olding arrives at Belfast Crown Court where he and his teammate Paddy Jackson are on trial accused of raping a woman at a property in south Belfast in June 2016
Ireland and Ulster rugby player Stuart Olding arrives at Belfast Crown Court where he and his teammate Paddy Jackson are on trial accused of raping a woman at a property in south Belfast in June 2016

The high profile case, scheduled for five weeks, is being heard by Judge Patricia Smyth.

Jackson, from Oakleigh Park in Belfast, and Olding, from Ardenlee Street in the city, deny raping the same woman at a house in south Belfast in June 2016.

Jackson denies a further charge of sexual assault.

Two other men have also been returned for trial on charges connected with the same incident alleged to have happened at an after-party following an evening in a Belfast nightclub on June 28, 2016.

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Paddy JacksonPaddy Jackson
Paddy Jackson

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

The jury of nine men and three women also heard how the woman told her friends she felt there was "no point" in going to the police.

She wrote in another message to a pal: "No I do not want anyone to hear.

"I would just be embarrassed."

The case continues

Related topics:BelfastUlsterIreland