WATCH: Stuart Olding Releases Lengthy Statement Following Trial Verdict

Relieved.

Ulster and Ireland international Stuart Olding, along with his teammate Paddy Jackson, were found not guilty of rape and of sexual assault by a Belfast jury this afternoon.

The jury reached a unanimous verdict after three hours and 45 minutes of deliberation. Jackson has since been speaking to the media, and released the following brief statement:

“I’d just like to thank the judge for giving me a fair trial.” Jackson said.

“And my parents for being here every day, as well as my brothers and sisters.”

“I’d like to thank my barristers…”

“Out of respect to my employers, I’ve nothing further to comment.”

Jackson’s legal team also released a lengthy statement, in which this criticised the “vile social commentary” that has surrounded the case in recent weeks.

And now Stuart Olding has released the following statement via his legal representation:

“I want to start by thanking the judge and jury for their time and patience throughout this long trial.”

“I am very relieved that the jury has accepted my explanation as to what occurred.”

“I want to acknowledge publicly, that though I committed no criminal offence on the evening of the 28th of June, 2016, I regret deeply the events of that evening.”

“I want to acknowledge that the complainant came to court and gave evidence about her perception of those events.”

“I am sorry for the hurt that was caused to the complainant. It was never my intention to cause any upset to anyone on that night.”

“I don’t agree with her perception of events, and I maintain everything that happened that evening was consensual.”

“I have consistently told the truth to the police and the court when asked to account for my conduct.”

“The Stuart Olding who has been portrayed over the past nine weeks during this trial, is not the real Stuart Olding.”

“I am fiercely proud to represent my province and my country. I have worked very hard to achieve those goals.”

“I hope to be able to prove myself going forward, in all aspects of my life.”

“I would like to thank my legal team for their hard work and their belief in me throughout, and finally to my family – thank you all for standing by me from the beginning.”

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