Former Rugby Star In Court Over Child Abuse

A former Ireland rugby player has appeared in court over claims he indecently assaulted a child.

David Tweed is accused of abusing a young girl, now an adult, on a number of occasions over a nine-year period.

The accused is a former Ireland and Ulster player, but is also a Traditional Unionist Voice councillor in Ballymena.

The case has been proceeding for some time, but restrictions preventing the story being reported were only lifted today.

The alleged victim has been cross-examined by the defence counsel at Antrim Crown Court.

The court heard how she made a complaint at Coleraine police station in 2007.

However, the judge’s request for clarification led to his being told that no such record could be found, despite a detailed and extensive search.

The woman, known currently as X, said she didn’t mention the alleged abuse in a statement as she was worried how her future husband would react. She also said she didn’t want her family and friends to know.

The trial continues.

(IT)