

Assume Nothing
BBC Radio Ulster
The teams assume nothing as they examine events through fresh eyes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 1, 2021 • 9min
Episode 1: Accused
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
Two famous rugby players are in the news after being questioned by police about an alleged rape.January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 9min
Episode 2: Anxiety
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
There's a long wait for the trial to begin. Other accusers and the accused tell us why waiting for a trial can be so agonising.January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 10min
Episode 3: Audience
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
The trial is about to start and the public gallery is packed. An alleged rape victim in another case recounts preparing to speak in front of an audienceJanuary 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 10min
Episode 4: Anonymous
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
Cameras follow the defendants as they walk into court. Everyone’s talking about them. Another defendant tells us what it was like to be in the public eye as a suspected rapist.January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 10min
Episode 5: Advocate
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
If you're the alleged victim, you don't get a lawyer. A rape victim tells us what it's like to be scooped into a trial without anyone to give you legal advice.January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 10min
Episode 6: Anger
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
Another woman tells us what it's like to be questioned about sex allegations in court. Victim Support's new research suggests severe problems with the cross examination stage.January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 10min
Episode 7: Attack
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
Everyone's talking - and tweeting - about this trial. There are thousands of published opinions on who's right and who's wrong. Is that really fair?January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 10min
Episode 8: Asking For It
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
A father says he was shocked by the reaction to his young daughter's claims of sexual abuse.January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Nov 1, 2021 • 10min
Episode 9: Acceptance
A rape trial that changes everything, for the acquitted, the woman and the legal system.
A former complainant and a former defendant tell us about trying to move on after their verdicts. And the longer lasting effects of going through a rape and sexual assault trial.January 2018. An Irish rugby international and his young team mate are on trial, accused of raping a woman at a house party. Outside the court house, there are queues of people trying to get in. Inside, scuffles break out to get the best seats in the packed public gallery. On Twitter, thousands are following the trial and sharing their opinions on who they think is telling the truth. After nine weeks, the two men are acquitted. Although the jury's not guilty verdict was unanimous, the public's verdict is not. Crowds gather on the streets of Belfast and Dublin, waving banners saying 'I Believe Her' whilst others say justice has been done. There are criticisms of how both sides were treated over social media. There are loud calls for change. A former high court judge is immediately commissioned to review the criminal justice system for sex offences in Northern Ireland. While Sir John Gillen does not comment on any specific trial, what he recommends astonishes politicians, lawyers and campaigners alike. When his proposals are taken up, Northern Ireland will find itself at the forefront of radical reform in the way rape trials are heard in the future.Written and produced by Sarah Mole
Commissioning and Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Sep 25, 2021 • 27min
Episode 1: Data Kidnap
One of the UK’s most high profile cyber-attacks: Some think it’s the work of cyber jihadis, but the truth is much closer to home. The story of how teenage clicks crippled a communications giant.


