Jury Retires In Rugby Star Sex Abuse Case

The jury in the trial of a former Irish rugby star accused of child sex abuse has retired to consider its verdict.

53-year-old David Alexander Tweed of Clonavon in Ballymena, County Antrim, has been on trial over the abuse of two young girls over eight years from 1988.

Mr Tweed is a railway supervisor and a Ballymena councillor.

He denies the allegations that he abused the two girls, both of whom are now adults.

Judge Alistair Devlin told the jury of 10 women and two men to take their time and to consider all 14 counts carefully.

"You are under no pressure of time whatsoever," he said. "This has been a lengthy trial at a little over three weeks and I would not be at all surprised if you take a considerable time to consider the various counts."

Mr Tweed played five times for Ireland, including in the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.

He played for Ulster and made over 30 appearances during the 1980s and 1990s.

Judge Devlin said the jurors should decide the outcome on the basis of evidence heard in court.

He warned against prejudice against those accused of sex abuse as well as sympathy for people who claim to be victims.

(IT/GK)