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Jury sworn in for Jackson and Olding rape case

Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson have denied the charges
Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson have denied the charges

A jury has been sworn in for the rape trial of two Ireland and Ulster rugby players.

Stuart Olding, 24, and Paddy Jackson, 26, are accused of raping the same woman at a property in south Belfast in June 2016.

Judge Patricia Smyth told the nine men and three women that the case would begin at Belfast Crown Court tomorrow and last for five weeks.

Addressing the jurors, Judge Smyth told them to keep an open mind until all the evidence in the case had been presented.

She said: "You are the only people who will see all the witnesses and hear all the evidence."

Both Mr Olding, of Ardenlee Street in Belfast, and Mr Jackson, from Oakleigh Park, also in the city, deny the charges.

Mr Jackson also denies a further charge of sexual assault.

Two other men have also been returned for trial on charges connected with the alleged incident on June 28 2016.

Blane McIlroy, 26, from Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, is accused of one count of exposure.

Rory Harrison, 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, is charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information.

All four have pleaded not guilty and are on bail.

The high-profile case is expected to run until early March.

Advising the jury to listen carefully to all counsel in the case, Judge Smyth said: "Keep your minds open until the very end. Your views may well change as evidence unfolds.

"Please do not discuss evidence until you have heard all of that."

The judge also warned the jury not to conduct any research into individuals or anything to do with the trial.

She said: "It would be wrong and it would be in breach of your oath or affirmation if you do."

Mr Jackson, a fly-half, has been capped for Ireland 25 times and Mr Olding has played four times. They are also established stars for Ulster.

The jury has been released until Tuesday.

Additional reporting Press Assocaition