Man cleared of rape charges

A Co Cork shopkeeper has been found not guilty in the Central Criminal Court of raping and indecently assaulting a young girl over a number of years. Mr Justice Quirke directed the jury to return the not guilty verdicts following medical evidence that the now 19-year-old girl was still a virgin when the alleged rapes had ceased. He discharged the 36-year-old man, who had pleaded not guilty to 20 charges of rape and indecent assault. The offences were alleged to have occurred between 1988 and 1992.