A man accused of attempting to rape a 79 year old woman was set free yesterday after his alleged confessions were ruled inadmissible. Mr Justice Sheil directed Belfast Crown Court jury to find Mr Samuel Patrick Cross (27), of Moneyslane Road, Ballyward, Co Down, "not guilty by direction" after the prosecution offered no further evidence against him.
The judge had earlier ruled that the RUC breached Mr Cross's legal rights by not cautioning him before interview. He also found that detectives had failed to tell an appointed solicitor of this, or of Mr Cross's alleged confession.