Jackson to sue senator over remarks

Ulster and Ireland rugby player Paddy Jackson’s plans to sue Labour senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has spurred a public backlash, with hundreds of people tweeting under the hashtag #suemepaddy.

Lawyers for Mr Jackson, 26, confirmed that they are considering a case against the former government minister over online comments about the Belfast rape trial, with his lawyers warning that others risk similar action if they continue to “attack our client”.

After nine weeks of public evidence, Mr Jackson and three other co-accused were acquitted of all charges. Mr Jackson was acquitted of rape and sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman. Fellow Ulster and Ireland player Stuart Olding, 25, was also acquitted of rape; Blane McIlroy, 26, was acquitted of exposure; and Rory Harrison, 25, was acquitted of withholding information.