Rape Trial: Before You Begin
Assume Nothing1 Nov 2021

Rape Trial: Before You Begin

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

Avsnitt(195)

Episode 1: A Wanted Man

Episode 1: A Wanted Man

Horse trainer Jonathan Creswell is able to break and control animals that others just can’t. His partner’s sister Katie Simpson, has a bright equestrian career ahead of her.The inside story of a crime...

16 Nov 202412min

Episode 8: A Heritage of Fear

Episode 8: A Heritage of Fear

June 1989, a family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems hellbent on driving them from their home.Reggie connects the pieces of the paranormal puzzle that he...

16 Nov 202419min

Episode 7: Forbidden Ground

Episode 7: Forbidden Ground

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? Reggie wonders why stories l...

16 Nov 202418min

Episode 5: A Night in the House

Episode 5: A Night in the House

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? Reggie reads an article abou...

9 Nov 202415min

Episode 6: The Investigator

Episode 6: The Investigator

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? After she hears an interview...

9 Nov 202417min

Episode 3: The Priest

Episode 3: The Priest

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?When Reggie learns that a loc...

2 Nov 202415min

Episode 4: The Ghosts of Others

Episode 4: The Ghosts of Others

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?Reggie recalls a shocking eve...

2 Nov 202415min

Episode 1: The House

Episode 1: The House

June 1989. A family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems determined to drive them from their home. The local press cover it extensively, neighbours gather ou...

26 Okt 202414min

Populärt inom Samhälle & Kultur

podme-dokumentar
en-mork-historia
p3-dokumentar
gynning-berg
mardromsgasten
aftonbladet-krim
badfluence
nemo-moter-en-van
creepypodden-med-jack-werner
skaringer-nessvold
killradet
hor-har
flashback-forever
blenda-2
p1-dokumentar
vad-blir-det-for-mord
aftonbladet-daily
historiska-brott
p3-historia
rss-korten-pa-bordet-2