Rape Trial: Before You Begin

Assume Nothing

A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system. When two rugby players go on trial for rape, there will be dramatic consequences for years to come.

January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change.

A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.

Written and produced by Sarah Mole Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin