Trial delayed for hospitalized boy accused of rape

A 13-year-old boy, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl at a race meeting, was hospitalized, causing a delay in his trial in Cork. The trial was set to continue on Tuesday, but the boy could not attend court. This incident follows a week where two jury members fell ill during the trial. One juror fainted shortly after the trial began on March 18, and another juror also became unwell. Both required medical assistance from Dr. Aoife Fanning, a doctor providing evidence as part of the case. Mr. Justice Paul McDermott informed the jury about the absent defendant's hospitalization. He noted that the trial could not move forward until the boy's medical situation was clarified. There was hope for the trial to resume the next day, March 26. The 13-year-old and another accused, who is now 17, face charges of raping and sexually assaulting the girl during the St. Stephen’s Day race meeting in 2022. A third boy is accused of aiding them and is also charged with falsely imprisoning the girl. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.