Paddy Jackson releases statement following acquittal

Culture
06 Apr 18

Ulster rugby player Paddy Jackson has released his first statement following his acquittal in Belfast last week. Within the statement Jackson said he was “ashamed” and that “criticism of my behaviour is fully justified.”

The statement was provided to Press Association journalist David Young, and reads as follows, “I am ashamed that a young woman who was a visitor to my home left in a distressed state. That 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 intergral 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.

Patrick Jackson”