Rape charges against Irish backpackers in Australia dropped

RAPE charges against two young Irish backpackers accused of repeatedly assaulting a Canadian tourist in northern Australia have been dropped due to insufficient evidence.

The two students, now aged 20 and 21, had been on bail since they were first charged more than four months ago.

Darwin Magistrates Court was due to hold a preliminary hearing yesterday but instead prosecutor Therese Austin revealed the charges have been dropped.