The jury in the trial of a former Irish rugby international accused of child sex abuse has retired to consider its verdict, within hours we will know if David Tweed is guilty of sex crimes against children.
David Alexander Tweed, 53, of Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena, Co Antrim, has been standing trial at Antrim Crown Court.
The railway supervisor, who is also a Ballymena councillor, is charged with abusing two young girls over an eight-year period from 1988.
Judge Alistair Devlin told the jury of 10 women and two men not to feel under time pressure to reach unanimous verdicts on all 14 counts.
“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.”
Tweed has denied that anything improper happened with the girls, who are now adults.
He was capped five times for Ireland and played in the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. He was also a prominent Ulster Rugby star with more than 30 appearances for the team during the 1980s and 1990s.
His defence barrister, Laurence McCrudden QC, claimed Tweed had been the victim of a spiteful conspiracy. He said the girls’ memories had become distorted with the passage of time.
Meanwhile, Laura Ievers QC, for the prosecution, said Tweed had used his sporting achievements and position in society to live a lie. Ms Ievers also said the claimants had no reason to make up the allegations.
Yesterday, Judge Devlin told the jurors they must decide the outcome of the case on the basis of evidence they have heard in court.
He said they should set aside any prejudice they may have towards those accused of sex abuse as well as any sympathy for people who claim to be victims.
He added: “You must approach the issue of a true verdict with an open mind.”
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