#IBelieveHer trending following rugby rape trial verdict
Earlier today, all four defendants were acquitted in the Belfast rape trial.
Ireland and Ulster rugby player Paddy Jackson, 26, has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault after a trial at Belfast Crown Court.
His team-mate Stuart Olding, 25, has also been found not guilty of rape.
The verdicts were returned after the jury had deliberated for three hours and 45 minutes.
The jury of eight men and three women also found Blane McIlroy, 26, not guilty of exposure and Rory Harrison, 25, not guilty of perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
Since the news broke, #IBeliveHer tag has been trending on the various social media platforms.
The approach to cases of sexual assault and rape needs to change. Less women will want to go to court, but I have so much respect for this woman who stood up to four entitled men. We need men to learn about consent. #IBelieveHer
— Sinéad Gleeson (@sineadgleeson) March 28, 2018
Solidarity rallies to say #IBelieveHer tomorrow at half 12:
— Sinéad Redmond @sineadredmond@mastodon.ie (@sineadredmond) March 28, 2018
Belfast Courthouse
Dublin, the Spire
Limerick, Bedford Row
Please RT.
All day I have been thinking of the victim in the Belfast rape trial. I believe her. I dearly hope justice will prevail but experience has taught me sexual abuse victims rarely get the justice they deserve. I hope at least she knows how many of us support her ❤#IBelieveHer
— Taryn de Vere is on Mastodon 🏳️⚧️ (@TarynDeVere) March 27, 2018
The #IBelieveHer hashtag gives an insight into how deeply upsetting this court case was for so many people. If nothing else, it must surely lead to a change in how rape trials are conducted. Is there any other crime in which the alleged victim appears to be the one on trial?
— Sarah McInerney (@SarahAMcInerney) March 28, 2018
People who are on pay as you go contracts who probably don't end up using their €20 credit at the end of the month, let's do something useful with it 🙌 #IBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/1r5f1ZfRhV
— keevs 🦕 (@GhostlySpells) March 28, 2018
