Hitchhiker trial continues

The Central Criminal Court trial of a hitchhiker accused of attempting to rape a woman who gave him a lift in Longford has continued in legal argument in the absence of the jury.

A 40-year-old Co Monaghan man has pleaded not guilty to the attempted rape of the 48-year-old woman in Longford on August 13, 1999.

He also pleads not guilty to assault causing harm, robbery of a sum of money and the attempted hijacking of her car on the same date.

The trial is now on its sixth day.

The jury are expected back before Mr Justice Daniel Herbert tomorrow.