Aftermath of the Belfast rape trial

Sir, – The outcome of the Belfast rape trial ("Belfast rape trial jury clears all four of all charges", irishtimes.com, March 28th) raises important questions about the practice of naming alleged perpetrators in such cases.

The adverse publicity, professional and reputational damage, and loss of sponsorship and earnings must have taken an enormous toll. Being cleared by a jury cannot undo the damage. It is difficult to believe that this serves anyone’s interests. – Yours, etc,

BRIAN O’BRIEN,

Kinsale,

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Co Cork.