The jury in a rape trial has been discharged after the investigating garda in the case was seen talking to the alleged victim while the woman was under cross-examination.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Mr Michael O'Higgins SC, the 22-year-old woman ran from the witness-box in tears and Mr Justice Carney adjourned the trial for 20 minutes.
When the hearing resumed Mr O'Higgins questioned the garda about a conversation he saw the two have. The garda said he was explaining to the woman that the cross-examination she was getting was not unique.
Mr Justice Carney told the jury that he felt the integrity of the court process had been unfortunately interfered with, although he commended the garda for his honesty.
The 31-year-old defendant had pleaded not guilty to raping the woman at a house party in north Dublin on August 8th, 1999. The case has been listed for mention on Thursday, when a new trial date will be set.