Rape accused didn't care if victim wasn't consenting, State tells jury

Two men from Leitrim pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to charges of rape following an alleged incident at a flat in the county in 2017. The prosecution case alleges that the woman lost consciousness at a party and was raped on two occasions by the defendants while incapacitated. The second accused additionally denies oral rape. During closing arguments, prosecution counsel contended that the defendants' disregard for the complainant's consent outside the bedroom demonstrated indifference to her consent within it, noting that party attendees had discussed exploiting her vulnerable state. The defence submitted that the woman consented to sexual contact but later recharacterised events following distress caused by subsequent mockery from other party guests. Defence counsel also challenged the prosecution assertion that the complainant was incapacitated, suggesting she retained awareness and control throughout the night. The jury commenced deliberations and will resume hearing the case on Monday morning.