Meath rape trial begins

A man has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of raping and assaulting his wife after he had been out drinking.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, false imprisonment and assault causing harm to the woman on April 12, 2009 at a house in Co Meath.

Mr Patrick Marrion SC, prosecuting, said it was the State’s case that in December 2008 there was marital disharmony and a barring order was obtained by the accused man’s wife.

The complainant found new accommodation through the Women’s Refuge Centre and in February 2009 the man moved back in with his wife in the new accommodation.

Mr Marrion said the jury will hear that the accused had been drinking on April 11, 2009 and arrived home drunk.

He allegedly became physically violent, abusive and attempted to choke his wife.

That night the alleged abuse became sexual and he raped her. At 6am the accused fell asleep and the complainant phoned a social worker requesting help.

The social worker contacted gardaí who arrived at the house and arrested the accused.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Liam McKechnie and a jury of six men and six women.