Kerry rape case: 'Examination showed no sign of assault'

An examination carried out on a Zimbabwean woman who claims her friend raped her as her daughter slept in the same bed showed no signs of assault a trial has heard.

Evidence has concluded in the trial at the Central Criminal Court and the jury will hear closing speeches next week.

The 29-year-old Somalian accused has pleaded not guilty at to raping and sexually assaulting the woman in her home in a Kerry town on August 29, 2006.

A medical report read out by prosecuting counsel, Ms Rosario Boyle SC, stated there was no abnormalities or signs of trauma found on the woman's body including her genital area.

The examination was carried out at Victoria Hospital, Cork by Dr Ann Nicholson, three hours after the alleged rape. Dr Nicholson noted in the report: "A negative examination does not preclude sex assault."

Detective Sergeant Patrick Sears told defence counsel, Mr Anthony Sammon SC, the accused man had "no record of wrongdoing" and had never come to garda attention before.

On the night of the incident the woman alleges she was out drinking with friends and invited them back to her home. She said she went to sleep in the same bed as her four-year-old daughter and awoke to find the accused on top of her having sex with her.

The hearing will resume on Tuesday before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a the of six men and six women.