Barrister apologises for ‘promiscuity’ question

A barrister defending a rape accused has apologised to the alleged victim after asking her about her alleged “promiscuity”.

The lawyer’s client, a 27-year-old Dublin man, is alleged to have raped the woman in a room at the George Frederic Handel Hotel, Fishamble St, Dublin, on March 27, 2012. His co- accused, a 40-year-old Dublin man, is alleged to have watched and to have threatened the woman.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to charges of rape. Feargal Kavanagh, defending the first man, put it to the alleged victim that difficulties at home had “related to your promiscuity when you were a very young girl”.

She replied she had first slept with someone when she was 16. She said her relationship with the father of her daughter started when she was aged 14 and ended six years ago.

Counsel then asked the woman about decorating her private parts with glitter stickers. Shortly after, Mr Kavanagh apologised to her for using the word “promiscuity”.

The woman has given evidence that, after meeting the men in a pub, she helped them get a hotel room.

She went to the room but never intended to stay or to have sex.

The trial continues.