Following his acquittal of rape last week, Paddy Jackson has issued a statement to apologise for his language used in a WhatsApp group chat.
At Belfast crown court, Irish rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were unanimously acquitted of raping the same woman at Jackson's house in June 2016. Today, Jackson issued the statement to the Press Association. The 26-year-old claimed he has betrayed his family's values and regrets the evening's events.
I am ashamed that a young woman who was a visitor to my home left in a distressed state. This was never my intention and I will always regret the events of that evening.
I am also truly sorry for engaging in a WhatsApp group chat which was degrading and offensive and I apologise unreservedly for this.
The criticism of my behaviour is fully justified and I know I have betrayed the values of my family and those of the wider public.
Following the trial I have taken time to reflect with my family on the values that were such an integral part of my upbringing, the most important of which is respect. My departure from these values has caused understandable public anger and I am resolutely committed to returning to those principles.
Following the case the IRFU and Ulster Rugby announced they will carry out a joint internal review which is still ongoing.
