Rape trial jury told to ignore race and religion

Jurors in the trial of a man accused of raping a woman with Down syndrome has been told they must put aside any feelings they may have about the man’s nationality or his faith.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt was addressing the jury ahead of sending it out to begin deliberations today. It was day 19 of the trial at the Central Criminal Court.

The accused, who is from Pakistan, has pleaded not guilty to rape, sexual assault, and having sex with a mentally impaired person at his Dublin home on June 12, 2013.