Courts / Dublin / Report

Blood matching that of teenage girl found on accused's mattress, trial hears

Date
2021-09-20

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 41‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment. The complainant, now 19, was 15 at the time of the alleged rape. She testified via video link that she had left home after being grounded, was alone in her town, and was approached by the accused. She claimed the man raped her after she went to his home. Forensic scientist Dr Charlotte Murphy examined a mattress fabric sample from the accused's bed and found DNA matching the complainant in a blood stain. No semen was detected. The accused argued the blood was menstrual, but Dr Murphy noted the absence of semen does not rule out intercourse. The trial also heard testimony from the accused's former flatmate, who described the night's events and the accused's statements about the girl's presence in the apartment. The case remains before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Blood matching that of teenage girl found on accused's mattress, trial hears. Charges or matters: a charge of rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment in a Dublin suburb on August 21, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When: