Paddy Jackson in court to deny rape and sex assault charges

Jackson appeared at Belfast Crown Court alongside two co-accused, who are also facing charges arising from the alleged sexual assault.

All three were informed that a trial date has been set for January 22, 2018.

Jackson (25), from Oakleigh Park in Belfast, spoke to confirm his name. He also replied ‘not guilty’ when the two charges were put to him - namely raping and sexually assaulting a woman on June 28, 2016.

During the hearing, Jackson’s barrister Brendan Kelly QC asked if it was possible that the trial could start earlier than the proposed date of January 22. Mr Kelly said the reason for his request was that Jackson “has been unable contractually to work ... and the sooner the matter is tried, the sooner that particular matter can be resolved”.

Also appearing alongside Jackson was 25-year old Blane McIlroy, from Royal Lodge Road in Belfast, and Rory Harrison, who is also 25 and from Manse Road.

McIlroy was charged with, and denied, exposing his genitals on June 28 last year, ‘intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm or distress’.

Harrison faces two charges, perverting the course of justice on dates between June 27 and July 1, and withholding information on dates between June 27 and October 5, 2016.

Harrison denied making a witness statement to police in which he lied about his dealings with the female complainant and omitted information relevant to the investigation. He also denied a charge of knowing rape had been committed and failing to give that information to a constable.

After all three defendants entered ‘not guilty’ pleas to all charges, prosecuting barrister Toby Hedworth QC revealed a number of witnesses who will be called to give evidence are students and will be undertaking exams in January.

He said: “Police are going to make requests of the universities in question ... most if not all of them should be able to get a bit of leeway to comply with any dates put to them.”

When Jackson’s barrister asked if it were possible to secure an earlier trial date, the judge said this was not possible.

Judge Smyth said the case would “benefit from a review” which has been scheduled to take place on December 15. She excused all three defendant from attending court on that date, before releasing them from the dock.

A fourth co-accused Stuart Olding (24) - who is Jackson’s international team-mate and from Ardenlee Street in Belfast - is due to appear at the same court later this week.