Menu
28/11/2012
Rugby Star Convicted Of Child Sex Abuse
Former Ireland and Ulster rugby star David Tweed has been convicted of child sex abuse charges.
The 53-year-old railway supervisor and Ballymena councillor was standing trial at Antrim Court.
The retired rugby international faced 14 counts of sexually abusing two young girls over an eight-year period from 1988.
Tweed, who is a father of four, has continually denied the charges that he abused the two girls, who are both now adults.
On Tuesday, Tweed was cleared of one count of indecent assault, but the jury had retired to consider the remaining charges
Judge Alistair Devlin asked if there was any chance of reaching a majority verdict on the remaining counts.
He was told the jury could could reach a majority verdict on the three other charges if they were given more time.
This was the second time Mr Tweed has faced child sex abuse allegations. In 2009 he was found unanimously not guilty of 10 counts of sex abuse against two different young girls.
None of the victims were in the courtroom as the verdicts were given. But friends and family members of the victims were there to hear the jury’s decision.
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.
(IT)
The 53-year-old railway supervisor and Ballymena councillor was standing trial at Antrim Court.
The retired rugby international faced 14 counts of sexually abusing two young girls over an eight-year period from 1988.
Tweed, who is a father of four, has continually denied the charges that he abused the two girls, who are both now adults.
On Tuesday, Tweed was cleared of one count of indecent assault, but the jury had retired to consider the remaining charges
Judge Alistair Devlin asked if there was any chance of reaching a majority verdict on the remaining counts.
He was told the jury could could reach a majority verdict on the three other charges if they were given more time.
This was the second time Mr Tweed has faced child sex abuse allegations. In 2009 he was found unanimously not guilty of 10 counts of sex abuse against two different young girls.
None of the victims were in the courtroom as the verdicts were given. But friends and family members of the victims were there to hear the jury’s decision.
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.
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2024
Warning Issued After Thousands Lost To Gift Card Scam
The PSNI have issued a warning after a L'Derry resident lost thousands of pounds in a gift card scam. According to police, the person was contacted online and told that they had won money. They were told they needed to send online gift cards to verify themselves. This continued for some time before the scam was spotted and stopped.
Warning Issued After Thousands Lost To Gift Card Scam
The PSNI have issued a warning after a L'Derry resident lost thousands of pounds in a gift card scam. According to police, the person was contacted online and told that they had won money. They were told they needed to send online gift cards to verify themselves. This continued for some time before the scam was spotted and stopped.
12 March 2024
Appeal Following Serious Collision In Gilford
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Banbridge Road, Gilford on Saturday 9th March. Just after 10.50pm, it was reported that two vehicles had collided on the road between Lawrencetown and Gilford.
Appeal Following Serious Collision In Gilford
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Banbridge Road, Gilford on Saturday 9th March. Just after 10.50pm, it was reported that two vehicles had collided on the road between Lawrencetown and Gilford.
07 March 2024
Murder Investigation Launches After Man Found In West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man found in west Belfast. On Wednesday, 06 March, a man was found with serious injuries in the Cupar Street area just before 8pm. The man was treated at the scene by emergency services before being transferred to hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Murder Investigation Launches After Man Found In West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man found in west Belfast. On Wednesday, 06 March, a man was found with serious injuries in the Cupar Street area just before 8pm. The man was treated at the scene by emergency services before being transferred to hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
01 March 2024
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
29 February 2024
Ulster Carpets Agrees Long Term Support For Youth Rugby In NI
Ulster Carpets has agreed a new sponsorship deal with Ulster Rugby, which will see the local company continue to support the province's youth game through to the 2027/28 season.
Ulster Carpets Agrees Long Term Support For Youth Rugby In NI
Ulster Carpets has agreed a new sponsorship deal with Ulster Rugby, which will see the local company continue to support the province's youth game through to the 2027/28 season.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
