Jury in Christmas party sex assault trial is sent home for day

THE JURY has been sent home for the day in a trial of three young men accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Christmas party, due to "administrative issues".

The trial commenced at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday with a jury of seven women and five men being sworn in before Judge Dermot Sheehan

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, gave his opening statement to the jury.

It is alleged that each of the three men exposed their penis, two of them asked the woman for oral sex and two of the defendants touched her in a sexual way without her consent.

The three accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, will be referred to as Mr A, Mr B and Mr C.

All three are charged with one count of sexual assault at a Christmas party at a venue on the outskirts of Limerick city in late December, 2017.

Mr A, aged 18 at the time, is represented by Erin O’Hagan BL, appearing with Amy Nix BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan.  

Mr B, aged 18 at the time, is being defended by Colman Cody SC, appearing with Kenneth Kerins BL, instructed by solicitor Julianne Kiely.

Mr C, who was 17 at the time, is represented by Michael Lynn SC, appearing with Eimear Carey BL, instructed by solicitor Ian McNamara.

The alleged victim was 17 on the date in question. She was expected to enter the witness box this Wednesday morning.

READ MORE: Three young men go on trial for sexual assault at Christmas party in Limerick

Judge Sheehan told the jury this Wednesday morning that “administrative issues have arisen”.

“You can go home now and thank you for coming in - I know some of you travel long distances. It is very important you are here. This is the best use of your time to go away for the day and come back tomorrow at 10.30am,” said Judge Sheehan.

The judge told the members of the jury not to go on social media, Google the trial or read any media reports.

“Keep your mind free of all that stuff. The trial happens in here and not outside. If anybody asks what you are up to, tell them ‘I am on a jury’. You can’t say anymore,” said Judge Sheehan.

The trial continues on Thursday morning.