Court told rugby stars deny rape allegations

Two Ulster Rugby players accused of rape have denied the charges against them.

Lawyers for Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding told Belfast Magistrates Court they would be challenging evidence against their clients.

The pair had been expected to appear in court for the first time this morning, but none of the defendants were there as proceedings got underway.

The court accepted there was no requirement for them to be present at this stage and lawyers for the accused said they would be willing to attend if requested.

24 year old Stuart Olding, from Ardenlee Street, Belfast, denies two charges of rape.

His solicitor Joe Rice said on one charge there is "an insufficiency of evidence to go to trial in a crown court and they will make a robust application to have that count dismissed at a preliminary stage."

25 year old Paddy Jackson, from Oakleigh Park, Belfast, denies one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

His solicitor Joe McVeigh plans to call a witness as part of his challenge in the case.

Two other men who were also charged in connection with the case deny the allegations against them.

Blane McIlroy, 25, from Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, and Rory Harrison, 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, also opted not to attend the hearing.

The offences are alleged to have been committed against the same woman in Belfast last June.

Proceedings have been adjourned until next month where District Judge Fiona Bagnall will set a date for a preliminary hearing.