Rape accused replied "no comment" when asked about link, trial hears

A 29-year-old man accused of rape has made no comment when questioned about forensic evidence linking him to the alleged offence, the Central Criminal Court has heard. The defendant, a non-national residing in Donegal, is charged alongside a 33-year-old co-accused with two counts of rape of a woman in February 2015. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Forensic evidence presented during trial indicated that semen found on the complainant's underwear and inside a condom retrieved from the flat where the alleged assault occurred matched the defendant's DNA profile. When gardaí informed the accused of these findings and afforded him an opportunity to respond, he declined to comment. The prosecution concluded its case on Friday. The defence indicated it will not call witnesses. Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday, with jury deliberations expected to commence Tuesday following the judge's charge.