Ulster Rugby Rape Trial - Not guilty to all charges

I agree it's about the best thing he could have done, obv doesn't make him suddenly dead on.

https://meatymammy.wordpress.com/2018/03/29/the-blog-that-facebook-banned-misogyny-gone-mad/

www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/media-application-to-lift-belfast-rape-trial-restrictions-to-be-heard-on-monday-1.3450089

NotTakenUsername - I agree.

Step I have absolutely no respect for these men, nor am I trying to find any. But a public figure coming out and publicly saying he will modify his behaviour going forward based on his misogynistic language is a teeny tiny step in the right direction.
He’s not saying, “what I say or write is my own business” he is really acknowledging that this is, rightly so, a witch hunt and if he wants to survive he needs damage limitation.
That damage limitation came in the form of a man who is admired as a role model by many young boys saying, “I messed up. This behaviour is wrong and going forward I will behave differently.” Subtext - guys, learn from my mistake - don’t do what I did.
I’m not naive. I see this is to protect his career, but with another prominent figure refusing any sort of apology and threatening to sue anyone who dares to ‘believe her’ this is a welcome contrast to that level of arrogance by someone who is also a role model.
One slightly educates, the other emboldens.

I actually see it as a significant win for all the people who have taken to the streets in protests. They have been beating the jungle drums and this guy and his advisers have heard them loud and clear!

Let’s not be naive here. He is apologising publically because his career with Ulster rugby is under review and he has just witnessed the backlash to PJs statement. It’s nothing more than damage control.

NotTakenUsername - Sorry find it hard to have any respect for these guys. The texts were vile, the played off one and other and show a deep disrespect for women as well as displaying an air of arrogance that I can't abide. His apology does a little, but really nowhere near enough.

Oh for goodness sake, step. Is this an open discussion where we can share our opinions, or are we only allowed to share if we hold the ‘correct’ opinion?

What a top shagger..... Gee that makes all the difference.

I don’t think there was anything in his tweet to indicate he is implying it was a one off. He is clear that going forward he will use better language. It could be seen as an ‘arse covering’ exercise, but he, like everyone involved has a choice. He chose to hold his hands up, apologise and promise to be better going forward. At least that is a marginally better role model.

Nope Craig Gilroy is sorry he got caught, he's sorry people know what a dick he is and what he actually thinks of women. He's shiteing himself about his career. Let's not pretend he's had an enlightening moment, it's a pure arse saving exercise.

I read his apology earlier. I think it's more "sorry I got caught, than sorry I did it."

Was he really unlucky enough that the only message of such tone he ever sent was the one that got caught up in a rape trial?

Stats on rape cases in NI. I cannot get away from them
about 1.8% convicted

The article is great, although the definition of rape is wrong in the context of the case. Presumably that is the Irish law definition rather than the UK one that was relevant in the case. Actually, it might have been easier to secure a conviction under the definition in the article as there does not seem to be a reasonable belief defence.

I wonder if defence barristers in rape cases have ever acted as a prosecutor in a rape trial and what their win loss rate was. I suspect it would be very few wins as prosecutor. I sometimes think many defence lawyers just like defending these cases because the win record is better after all they have to do is create reasonable doubt.
I only say this because barristers are always saying they are only doing their job - that is representing the client whether it be the crown or an individual. But they seem to never have the crown as their client and therefore never prosecute.

Zibbidoo thanks for the link to that article.
That gives me some hope that men (and my DS in the future) get it.
The online commentary is depressing- and that man's article is an antidote.

Just read that about CG. Glad to see ulster rugby investigating.

Indeed - very good.

Oh that looks like a step in the right direction at least craic. Hopefully it’s not just for show and they are actually reviewing their behaviour properly.

Another purported member of the WhatsApp group is subject to internal review by Ulster and won't be available for selection for their match this weekend. Good.

I was just coming on here to share that article Zibbidoo, it really resonated with me. Im going to print it off and have it to give to my son when hes older. I think it should be compulsory reading for ever teenager and advised reading for every sexually active man. Its really that simple, dont rape, ensure enthusiastic consent.

I don’t think they would or could have been found guilty with an all female jury. It’s the question. The question is wrong and needs changed. The jury couldn’t have been sure beyond reasonable doubt that they didn’t believe they had consent because they weren’t operating on the basis of consent so the question of consent never occurred to them. Therefore the idea she didn’t consent wasn’t present. It’s the basis for a guilty verdict that is wrong. The question shouldnt be “did they believe she didn’t consent” it should be “did she’s consent and can they prove they sought her consent”.

Great article zibbidoo

The jury was made up of 8 men and 3 women. They were never going to be found guilty.