Clare rape trial collapses

The trial of a Clare resident accused of raping and threatening to kill his pregnant ex-partner in her home has collapsed at the Central Criminal Court with the discharge of the jury.

Mr Justice Barry White discharged the jury just before the final stages were due to begin on day-10 of the hearing with closing speeches by counsel for the prosecuiton, Ms Pauline Walley SC (with Mr Vincent Heneghan BL), and defence, Mr John Phelan SC (with Mr Michael Bowman BL),