THE RAPE trial of two Ulster rugby players has heard details of text messages sent by the pair’s friends.
The messages were sent after Ulster and Ireland players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were accused of raping a woman at Jackson’s house in June 2016.
In one message, sent after learning the players were being quizzed by police, their friend Blane McIlroy branded the situation ‘ridiculous’.
In a Whatsapp exchange, he texted friend Rory Harrison, saying: "This is ridiculous. Surely it's all just going to get dropped."
Mr Harrison replied: "Hopefully it's just thrown out, Just a silly girl who's done something then regretted it."
He added: "She’s causing so much trouble for the lads."
The court also heard details of messages sent to Whatsapp groups before the players were taken in for questioning.
In one group, called JACOME, Olding posted: “We are all top shaggers,” adding: “there was a bit of spit roasting last night fellas.”
Jackson replied: “There was a lot of spit roasting last night.”
McIlroy also told a member of the group: “pumped a bird with Jackson on Monday – roasted her."
McIlroy has been charged with one count of exposure, while Harrison is charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information..
Olding and Jackson have been charged with rape, while the latter has also been charged with one count of sexual assault.
The men have denied all the charges.
