Ireland rugby international Paddy Jackson and his Ulster teammate Stuart Olding have denied any wrongdoing following their arrests in relation to alleged sexual offences in south Belfast earlier this year.
Ulster Rugby confirmed yesterday that the two players “have been assisting the PSNI with inquiries” linked to alleged offences in late June.
“The players deny any wrongdoing and have not been charged with any offence. As no charges have been brought forward, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” an Ulster Rugby spokesman said.
Mr Jackson’s solicitor Kevin Winters strenuously rejected any suggestions of wrongdoing on behalf of his client.
“He rejects completely any allegations made against him. Patrick has co-operated fully with police in their inquiries and we have been liaising with police on his behalf,” said Mr Winters.
“We are both disappointed and indeed concerned that this information has been leaked to the press before the investigation has concluded and well in advance of any final decision. This has the potential to be prejudicial to our client’s interests,” he added.
Presumption of innocence
Mr Winters said he would not hesitate “to take all necessary steps to protect his legal position as he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. We urge the media to restrain from any damaging speculation”.
Joe Rice, a solicitor representing Mr Olding, said he wished to “emphasise that he completely rejects any allegations of wrongdoing made against him and is confident his name will be cleared in due course”.
In a statement, Mr Rice said: “Our client has fully co-operated with the PSNI in their enquiries and is of previous good character.
“It is disappointing that this information has been made public before the police investigation has even been completed.
“We wish to point out that we will take any necessary steps to safeguard our client’s legal position and to uphold his right to the presumption of innocence.”
The PSNI, in a statement, confirmed that three men were arrested at the end of June “in relation to a number of sexual offences reported to have taken place at a property in south Belfast, on June 28th”.
“The men have been interviewed and released from custody. A file will be prepared for submission to the Public Prosecution Service [PPS],” said a spokesman.
“A fourth man, aged 24, will be reported to the PPS in relation to this incident for perverting the course of justice,” he said.
A spokesman for the PPS said it has not received any files from the PSNI relating to the case and that as far as he was aware no such files were imminent.
Meanwhile, Ulster Rugby director Les Kiss declined to make additional comment on the matter at a scheduled press conference.
“The statements have been put out. It would be inappropriate to make any further comment and that’s how it stands at this stage,” he said.
Due to "personal reasons", Jackson was left out of the Ireland squad that travelled to Chicago in the United States on Monday ahead of the side's test match against New Zealand at Soldier Field on Saturday.
