Dungannon man charged with Peatlands Rape
by Anton McCabe
(A slighly edited version of this was published on the Ulster Herald May 2nd 2016)
A police witness has given Omagh Magistrates Court graphic details of a rape and sexual attack on a woman in Peatlands Park, Dungannon, on Wednesday of last week. She gave the evidence during the appearance of James Wright at a special sitting of the court on Monday.
The police witness said the victim had been walking her dog in the park. A man passed her several times on a mountain bike. “She noticed a male coming close,” the witness said. “He grabbed her and put his hand over her mouth.” The woman did not resist, as she realised she was on her own.
Wright pulled her to the ground, removed all her clothing, and his trousers and shoes. The witness then gave graphic details of the assault. During it, Wright is alleged to have put his fingers in the victim's mouth. This caused her to choke.
“She believed from his behaviour that he had a learning difficulty of some sort,” the witness said. The victim asked him who he was. He replied “I can't tell you as you will tell someone and I would be in trouble.” She described the man as about 6ft tall, of stocky build with drooping eyebrows.
The victim reported the attack to police. From a description she gave, police arrested Wright at his home in the early hours of Friday morning last. During a search they recovered a black and silver mountain bike, and a high-visibility jacket with the letters 'RSA' on it. Both matched descriptions the victim gave. A third item – a cycle helmet – remains unaccounted. Police believe this may contain further forensic evidence. If Wright is given bail, he may find and destroy it.
During interview Wright refused to give intimate evidential samples, on the advice of his solicitor. When asked if he raped the woman he replied: “I don’t want to answer that question.” This was on his solicitor's advice.
The police witness stenuously opposed bail. “Whilst it is accepted the defendant has no previous we believe he poses a serious risk to the public,” she said. “Police fear this was a random, impulsive and sexually motivated ambush and the victim was chosen because she was alone.” She also feared for Wright's safety were he released.
The witness and the defence solicitor agreed Wright suffers severe learning disabilities. He was accompanied in the dock by a named individual. At times during the hearing, she appeared to explain to him what was happening.
A defence soclitor criticised the length of time taken to have his client brought to court. “Irreparable damage may have been done and could continue if a remand in custody is ordered,” he said. “He has never been known to police in the past.”
The police witness said Wright was medically examined by two forensic medical officers, and found to be fit for both detention and charge. She pointed out Wright had been known to police, but never as a suspect. He had applied for a firearms licence in 2009, which was refused.
The defence solicitor said: “My client is an extremely vulnerable gentleman who is in the care of the Health Trust. I believe he should be treated as a juvenile.” The defence applied to have Wright’s name and address banned from being reported. The police witness said he had already been named on social media. District Judge Peter King refused the application.
Judge King also refused a bail application. “These are very serious allegations,” he said. “I am particularly concerned about the ambush-style of the attack and the motive of the attacker. There is also the matter of the missing cycling helmet. I do not take decisions to remand in custody lightly but I believe at present it is both proportionate and reasonable.”
He remanded 23 year old Wright, of Derrylee Road, Dungannon, in custody to appear by video-link at Dungannon Magistrates Court on May 18th.
