Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding to stand trial over rape charges

Belfast Magistrates’ Court has ruled that the Ireland and Ulster rugby union players are to stand trial over charges of rape.

Jackson (25) and Olding (24) appeared before the court for the first time since the charges came about last year. Both men, from Belfast, were accused of rape in June 2017. Olding is being accused of two counts of rape while Jackson has been accused of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. According to RTÉ news, District Judge George Conners said there was enough evidence to proceed to trial in the Crown Court. Both men are denying the charges made against them. Two other men, Blane McIlroy (25) and Rory Harrison (25), who are involved in the same incident were also at the court proceedings. Harrison is being charged with perverting the courts of justice and withholding information, while McIlroy is accused of one count of exposure. The date of trial has yet to be decided.