Frank Greaney on lifted reporting restrictions from the Belfast rape trial

Newstalk's courts correspondent Frank Greaney joined Ger and Eoin in studio after the reporting restrictions placed on the Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding rape trial were lifted.

[@davegalbandian2652]

Ger, a barrister acts on instructions of solicitor, who acts on instructions of client. But many clients simply take advice of solicitor so go with what they’re told. They don’t instigate.
The judge’s tone can be hugely important. A jury will watch a judge carefully, believing that experience, gravitas and expertise carry over to an ability to get at truth. A judge can through tone betray their thoughts or be perceived as doing it. It’s not that unbelievable that barristers would be very involved in ensuring the jury are not (perhaps unwittingly) swayed.
No opinion on this case but your disbelief that tone would be subject to scrutiny comment or objection seems unrealistic.

[@carolphillips4058]

UPSIDE DOWN FACE 🙃 No this doesn't mean you're texting upside down. According to emojipedia it represents a "sense silliness or goofiness. Sometimes used as an ambiguous emotion, such as joking or sarcasm." It's also known as the sarcasm or silly face.11 Apr 2017

[@dashercronin]

Should never have tried in court. The adversarial legal system does not lend itself to a happy outcome for either party. "Yes you did, no I did not" is not a way to resolve a matter like this in the public eye with all the social media rubbish flying around with crass opinions and suggestions made by people who were not there and do not know what happened. A system of reconciliation between the two parties carried-out in camera, alleged victim and accused facing each other, is the correct way to resolve issues like this, with compensation, and due apologies made as required. I should like to say that Jackson and Oling behaved impeccably and bravely throughout, when one considers that had they been found guilty they would have faced long terms in prison and ruined lives. Despite being found not guilty by a female dominated jury they now face public opprobium and the possibilty of not ever playing again for their province or country. Not a satisfactory outcome for plaintiff or accused.

[@wonjubhoy]

There is a lot of truth in what you say. There were 3 women out of the jury of 11. All of them voted not guilty. I do believe someone is innocent until proven guilty and all 4 men were found not guilty.