Rape trial collapses after complainant leaves country half way through her evidence

Ms Justice Stewart noted the woman had been uncontactable since Tuesday and that the only fair outcome at this point was to direct the jury of five men and seven women to acquit the man.

The rape trial of a Dublin man has collapsed after the complainant left on a ferry to England half way through her cross-examination.

In directing the jury at the Central Criminal Court to acquit the accused, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart noted a High Court judicial review had found inexcusable and blameworthy delays in prosecuting the case.