Woman breaks down as she gives evidence during rape trial
A woman who has accused two Ireland and Ulster rugby players of rape has broken down in court while giving evidence for the first time.
The woman was in tears as she told Belfast Crown Court why she decided to report the alleged attack.
She called it a game of power and control and the only way she could take back power for herself was to come forward about it.
The woman told the court no one should have to go through what she did.
She said: The more I thought about it, rape is a game of power and control.
They rely on your silence. The only way you take the power back is when you actually do something about it.
I may be preventing it happening to someone else.
It could so easily have been my friends outside Ollies, it could have been my sister outside.
It's the best decision I have made.''
Stuart Olding, 24, from Ardenelle Street and Paddy Jackson, 26, from Oakleigh Park, are accused of raping the same woman at a property in south Belfast in June 2016.
Jackson faces a further charge of sexual assault.
Both men deny the charges.
Two other men have also been returned for trial on charges connected with the alleged incident on June 28 2016.
Blane McIlroy, 26, from Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, is accused of one count of exposure.
Rory Harrison, 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, is charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
They all deny the charges.
Later, the woman told the court: It's not okay.
No-one should ever have to go through what I did.
People just can't get on like that.
I am not going to stand for it.''
Throughout proceedings the four defendants, who arrived at court separately, sat alongside each other in the dock.
Jackson, who was dressed in a navy blazer, jumper and open-neck shirt took notes.
The public gallery was packed to capacity.
The case, which is in its third day, is scheduled to last for five weeks.
It is being heard before Judge Patricia Smyth and a jury of nine men and three women.
During the hearing the woman was also questioned about her initial reluctance to report the incident to the police.
I wasn't going to go to the police,'' she said.You just don't think they are going to believe you.
I really did not want to take things further because you are so embarrassed this has even happened to you.
I didn't want people finding out. I knew if I went to the police I would have to say something to my family at some point.''
She confided in two friends and after attending a rape crisis centre in Belfast, decided to go to the police.
The case continues.