Rape case in closing stages

The closing stages have been reached in the trial at the Central Criminal Court of a Lithuanian man who denies that he raped a Russian woman in Waterford last year.

The 22-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault of the 27-year-old woman, making a threat to kill her and assaulting her causing her harm on March 19, 2006 at an apartment in Waterford city. He has given evidence denying the allegations.

The hearing of evidence has concluded and closing speeches have been made by prosecuting counsel, Mr Shane Murphy SC (with Ms Anne Rowland BL) and by defence counsel Mr Jeremy Maher SC (with Mr Robert O'Neill BL).

The jury of six men and six women will begin its deliberations on Monday after Mr Justice Barry White concludes his charge. The trial has run for nine days so far.