Doctor testifies at rape trial

THE TRIAL of a 36 year old man charged with abducting and raping a prostitute heard that the woman told a doctor her two attackers…

THE TRIAL of a 36 year old man charged with abducting and raping a prostitute heard that the woman told a doctor her two attackers were aged about 17 and 19.

Dr Antonia Lehane was recalled to the witness box on the 10th day of the case in the Central Criminal Court. Cross examined by Mr Garnet Orange, defending, Dr Lehane said she saw the woman at 3.45 a.m. on December 30th, 1994, shortly after the alleged rape. Dr Lehane said she filled out a questionnaire with the woman's help. She put "yes" to questions on drink and drugs as she said the woman told her she had drink taken, although she did not appear drunk. The woman confirmed she was a heroin abuser.

Describing her attackers, the woman said one was aged about 17 and the other was around 19, she added.

The man has pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning the woman while she was working as a prostitute, and he denies raping and sexually assaulting her in the Wicklow Mountains.

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Earlier, Del Sgt Patrick Tully said the accused was arrested on January 23rd, 1995, as he left Portlaoise Prison. He had served a 14 day sentence for giving a false name to a garda who had stopped him for a motoring infringement.

The trial continues.