Rape-claim woman ‘was suffering from depression’

The woman who ripped open her blouse and ran towards gardaí claiming officers raped her was suffering from depression at the time as a result of a suicide and homicide involving relatives.

Defence solicitor, Diane Hallahan, put that forward in mitigation yesterday as Breda Casey, 46, of 7, Avondale House, Model Farm Road, Cork, came before Cork District Court for sentencing for her behaviour. Ms Hallahan said a suspended five-month sentence hanging over the accused for another offence had not been activated as a result of this incident.

The solicitor said in mitigation that the only reason the defendant came to the attention of gardaí that night was because of trouble coming from a party at another apartment in the complex where she lives.