A Belfast solicitor has expressed his “shock” at a PSNI decision to prosecute a 30-year-old for sexual assault.
“I am shocked by the decision of the PSNI to charge my client in relation to an incident that occurred outside the jurisdiction last year,” solicitor Patrick Higgins of law firm Donnelly and Wall declared today.
In November last year the Armagh GAA team travelled to Miami in Florida to celebrate the team's All-Ireland win, their first All-Ireland title in 22 years after they clinched victory over Galway at Croke Park in July.
Around 30 players, the management team, family members and other senior figures from the Armagh County Board are understood to have spent a week in Miami in the middle of November and it has been reported and alleged that an offence of sexual assault was committed.
The alleged assailant was first interviewed on a voluntary basis last December and in a statement at that time, Mr Higgins highlighted that his client “co-operated fully with the PSNI in the initial stages of the investigation.”
Today (mon) the 30-year-od was formally charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
He is due to appear at Armagh Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, on 6 May.
In a statement released in the aftermath of the police decision to charge the man to appear in court next month, the solicitor declared said: “I believe there was no necessity to arrest my client.
"A formal complaint was made to the PSNI on 20th November 2024. No contact was made between the PSNI and my client for 3 weeks.
"When requested he presented himself voluntarily at Banbridge Police station where he was arrested over 4 months ago.
The request by the PSNI to charge, I believe, is without merit and shall be challenged further down the line.
“I believe the decision to charge the suspect to Court by the PSNI is influenced by the media publicity this case has attracted due to his profession and in breach of my client’s right to a fair trial and in breach of his right to private and family rights.
“My client maintains his innocent and has instructed me to contest the charges fully.”
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “A 30-year-old man was arrested on December 10, 2024 on suspicion of a number of sexual-related offences alleged to have taken place in the United States of America in November 2024.
“He was later released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.”
They also confirmed the man was charged today and will appear in court in May.
The spokesperson added: “As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service and police will not be commenting further as criminal justice proceedings progress.”
by WrongdoerGold1683
8 comments
30 year old from the all.irepand winning squad?
Young men, alcohol, high spirits. Who knows? As long as justice is done and done right. Sounds like the solicitor is trying to get his soundbytes in hard before the press get a hold of the details though.
It’s not any alleged victim’s fault but wtf is “of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent”.
The verb engage means to participate or to be involved in. Surely you are either a willing participant or you are not. I don’t participate in anything against my consent.
Solicitor should do some reading. Sexual offences occurring in different countries can be prosecuted in the UK.
Bit weird that IIRC they cut the trip short and went home. If a crime was committed, you should kinda tell the local police instead of sitting on the info and start hiding him from the team photos.
This solicitor is whinging about public opinion and prejudicing any trial, while making comments which could very easily be considered attempting to prejudice any trail. Also questioning why he was arrested initially when the professionals believe they have enough evidence to warrant changing kinda makes him look stupid.
Whatever the outcome I hope justice is served either which way.
Innocent until proven guilty.
Why isn’t he being extradited and prosecuted in Florida? It’s not like sexual assault is legal in Florida.
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