Rape trial is told of suicide bids

A DOCTOR has told the trial of a Donegal man who denies rape that the alleged victim has made two attempts on her own life.

A DOCTOR has told the trial of a Donegal man who denies rape that the alleged victim has made two attempts on her own life.

Earlier the 29 year old mother of three told the Central Criminal Court she had been beaten and raped in a mountain lay by on September 4th, 1991. Her 43 year old neighbour denies raping and sexually assaulting her.

She claimed the accused had beaten her and forced her into his car before driving to the mountain lay by. He first reclined the passenger seat and then forced her to take off her clothes before raping her.

Yesterday her doctor said he received a call from her at 12.30 pm. on September 5th, 1991. She made a complaint and he agreed to examine her. She complained of a pain in her back and behind her ear. He also found bruises and scratches on her lower abdomen and back.

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The doctor told defence counsel, Mr Gregory Murphy SC, he was aware the woman had made suicidal attempts in both 1992 and 1995. He was also aware she had received treatment in a local psychiatric hospital. He did not consider the alleged victim had a "chronic disorder".

Another doctor told Mr Fergal Foley, prosecuting, she had examined the alleged victim when she was brought to hospital. She was menstruating and had bruises on her body and scratches on her lower back and abdomen.

The trial continues.