Alleged rape and kidnap victim did not appear distressed, witness tells trial

A witness has testified at the Central Criminal Court that an alleged kidnapping and rape victim did not appear distressed when she visited her home on the night in question. The accused man, from Longford, has pleaded not guilty to rape, false imprisonment, and production of an article in November 2015, as well as three counts of assault causing harm between 2011 and 2015. The prosecution alleges he kidnapped the woman after she obtained a barring order against him, and subjected her to violence and degradation over a five-year relationship. The defence witness stated the woman drank cider at her home that evening and exhibited no signs of upset. However, prosecuting counsel suggested the alleged victim had told the witness she was there against her will and questioned why she left at 3am in a distressed state. The trial will resume on Monday with closing speeches before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.