Paddy Jackson says he is ‘ashamed’ in new statement

Paddy Jackson, who was found not guilty of raping a young woman in Belfast last week, has issued a statement to apologise for some of his behaviour. The Ulster rugby player was involved in a nine-week court case, in which he and three friends denied any wrong-doing.

This afternoon he released a statement via the Press Association saying, “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 wider 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.”