Two Ulster Rugby players to be prosecuted over rape allegations

By Adam Evans

Two Ulster Rugby players are to be prosecuted over allegations of rape.

The club have released a statement saying Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson deny the claims but that they have been relieved of their duties until the case concludes.

The pair and two other men are due before magistrates next month.

We've had this statement from Ulster Rugby and the IRFU:

"The IRFU and Ulster Rugby are aware that Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been charged by the PSNI in relation to serious allegations made against them.

"The players have cooperated fully and strenuously deny the charges.
  
"The IRFU and Ulster Rugby take these allegations extremely seriously.
 
"To allow the players time to address this matter fully, the IRFU and Ulster Rugby have agreed that they will be relieved of their duties and obligations until the conclusion of this process. Appropriate support structures will be put in place with them during this time.

"As this is a matter for the Public Prosecution Service it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Solicitor Joe Rice, representing Stuart Olding has told Q Radio News that: "over a year from the date of the incident we're disappointed with the decision to prosecute Stuart in relation to these alleged offences".

Adding, "it's important to note Stuart has co-operated fully throughout this process, he is a man of impicable background and that is reflected in the fact there are no bail conditions against him.

"Stuart welcomes the opportunity to restore his good name through the Northern Ireland court system and he will be pleading not guilty".

Jackson's solicitor Kevin Winters said: "We are very disappointed at the decision of the PPS to prosecute, given the particular circumstances and facts known in this case

"Our client rejects completely the allegations made against him and we are confident he will be exonerated in due course

"Given that the case will be a jury trial it is absolutely critical that nothing is done or said in the media to prejudice due process and to that end we urge restraint on any sensationalist reporting.

"We will push for as early a hearing as possible as Patrick wants to quickly resume playing his rugby for Ulster and representing his country."

A PPS spokesperson said: “Following a careful review of all of the available evidence, in accordance with our Code for Prosecutors, it has been decided that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute four individuals as follows:

“One man is being prosecuted on a charge of rape contrary to Article 5 (1) of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 and a charge of sexual assault contrary to Article 6 (1) of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008.

“A second man is being prosecuted on two charges of rape, contrary to Article 5 (1) of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008.

“A third man is being prosecuted for an offence contrary to Article 70 of the Sexual Offences
(Northern Ireland) Order 2008.

“A fourth man is being prosecuted for doing an act with intent to pervert the course of public justice contrary to Common Law and with withholding information contrary to Section 5 (1) of the Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967.”