Lord of the Dance
Jury in rape trial of Ireland rugby stars sent out to decide verdict
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Jury in rape trial of Ireland rugby stars sent out to decide verdict

THE jurors in the rape trial of two Ireland rugby internationals have been sent out to begin their deliberations.

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding are accused of raping the same woman in Mr Jackson's south Belfast home, in the early hours of June 28, 2016.

They both deny the charges.

The eight men and three women of the jury commenced their deliberations at 12.40pm this afternoon, following some nine weeks of proceedings at Belfast Crown Court.

Ulster backs Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson have 29 Ireland caps between them (Picture: Getty)

Judge Patricia Smyth finished summing up the case this morning, saying: "The only verdict I can accept is a unanimous verdict."

The judge said that although members of the jury may have heard about a "majority" decision, they should "put that out of your minds for now."

The jurors will also decide on verdicts for Blane McIlroy and Rory Harrison, who face charges relating tothe same alleged incident.

Jackson, 26, of Oakleigh Park in Belfast, denies one charge of rape and another of sexual assault.

Olding, 25, from Ardenlee Street in the city, also denies rape.

Blane McIlroy, 26, from Royal Lodge Road in Belfast, denies exposure, while Rory Harrison, 25, from Manse Road in Belfast, has pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice.