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06th Apr 2018

Paddy Jackson Has Apologised For “Degrading And Offensive” Behaviour Following Trial Verdict

Darragh Berry

It has been just over a week since the verdict of the Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding Belfast Rape Trial but it is still a major talking point in Ireland.

Only yesterday, an Irish rugby club had to conduct an investigation into an “inappropriate” Jackson and Olding photo.

Also, a petition for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to conduct a full review into Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding and for the findings of that review to be made public if the men are ever to play on an Irish team again has reached almost 30,000 signatures in the space of a couple of days.

However, nine days since he was found not guilty, Paddy Jackson has apologised for “betraying family values” on the night in question. 

He told the Press Association that he would always regret the events of that night:

“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.”

READ NEXT: PIC: Irish Rugby Club Investigating “Inappropriate” Paddy Jackson And Stuart Olding Photo

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