THE trial of a man accused of raping a mildly mentally handicapped woman has been adjourned at the Central Criminal Court. Mrs Justice McGuinness will conclude her charge to the jury of seven women and five men on Monday, the trial's sixth day.
The Dublin man (32) has pleaded not guilty to raping and sexually assaulting the woman in his home on May 17th, 1991.
The jury heard the alleged victim say she went to the defendant's home on that day with his then girlfriend. She agreed she became drunk and fell asleep after lying down in his bed while the man and his girlfriend returned downstairs. She alleges she awoke to find the defendant raping her.
In evidence, the defendant said he had had consensual sex with her and they went down the stairs laughing and joking.
Shortly after that the woman claimed he had raped her, but before leaving his house to go home with his former girlfriend she apologised for her allegation.
The hearing continues.