State discontinues Waterford rape trial

The jury in the trial of a Waterford man charged with raping a woman almost two years ago has been discharged after the State decided not to proceed with the case by entering a 'nolle prosequi'.

The 52 year-old accused had denied raping the woman at his home in Waterford city on July 9, 2005. The trial began last Tuesday.

Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins told the jury of six men and six women that the case was now over because the State was not continuing with the prosecution and he discharged the accused from court.