The Story Of The Belfast Trial

The Story Of The Belfast Trial

Over 42 days in early 2018, the Belfast Crown Court heard the case of professional rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding and their friends, Blane McIlroy and Rory Harrison. Reporters Rosanna Cooney (JOE) and Frank Greaney (Newstalk) were present in the courtroom throughout as Jackson and Olding were acquitted of raping a 19-year-old woman. McIlroy was acquitted of indecent exposure. Harrison was acquitted of perverting the course of public justice, and withholding information. The verdict sparked a massive reaction on social media and protests in several Irish cities. This is the story of that trial.