Rape crisis group angry over judge’s trial comments

THE Rape Crisis Network has expressed horror that a judge has cited an alleged sexual assault victim’s profession as grounds to direct that the perpetrator be found not guilty.

Earlier this week Judge Sean Ó Donnabháin said the delay by the woman in making her complaint was inexplicable, given that she was trained and worked in a profession which encouraged victims to make complaints, and which emphasised that complaints would be treated seriously when they were made.

The woman had accused a 73-year-old retired priest from the diocese of Cloyne of indecently assaulting her 30 years ago when she was a teenager. He was found not guilty by direction of the trial judge.