Sister defends Irish bartender accused in New York rape case

I think that yes he has to be proven innocent.It takes a lot of courage to report a rape.I think if it was a drunken mistake or the girl had doubts,she would have dropped the charges already?If this was on home soil would so many be so quick to defend him?If it were your daughter or sister or friend that this happened to?Empathy and support to the real victim here.

@JohnnyMac - Maybe (and I'm assuming being from Derry) he traveled on an Irish passport and would therefore require assistance from the Irish Consulate. Narrow minded comment.

Well, one person on here seems to think 'accused' equals 'guilty' and that because a woman cries rape she must be telling the truth. It wasn't mentioned in this article but the alleged victim initially said that Duddy held her down while Mcguinness raped her. Brutal, right? Except Duddy was released fairly quickly after his arrest, so I guess we can assume that she was lying in her orginal complaint. And once Duddy was released he automatically became a witness and he states no rape was committed. And now the prosectuion need more time to investigate the allegations against McGuinness so I guess they don't have enough physical evidence to prove their case. It doesn't sound like they have much of anything except a he said/she said account and those are notoriously difficult to prove. And she already lied so her credibility is questionable at best.

The Irish Ambassator should get involve. American Rape Law is against the man. Read the case against the Frenchmen. A 62 year old man, who probably needs help in performing, is charge with rape. The man was naked at the time of the assult. He attacked the maid grabbed her crotch, and started to perform oral sex. There is something wrong with American Sex Laws, because the accused is presummed guilty. The so called victim's charges are the proof. The accused can not question the victims character, or past record. American men are being bulled by woman. If you do not believe me, then watch American TV. The men on American TV are stupid wimps. I quit watching American TV years ago, but I see a little bit every so often.

It's sad but today you have to be careful as a man when you "hook up" , "date" or even talk to a woman.. The men who see rape as the only means of having a relationship with a woman , have ruined the social scene for both sexes. Everyman and woman should realize that..If a womean agrees to go home with you or take you home with her you should video tape the whole consent, then realize that at any point see says stop you gotta stop...If she is drunk run like hell .

The truth will come out

I don't think its appropriate to be allowing people to comment on this story. Out of respect for the victim, the accused and the judicial process, we should let the case play out. None of us know the evidence, so all these "He's a good lad and well liked" comments mean nothing. Personally I don't think the media should be naming anybody until they are CONVICTED of something like this. As someone else mentioned, this young man's reputation is already tarnished by the very accusation. If he's innocent, this is extremely unfair. If he's guilty, there's plenty of time for naming and shaming after the trial.

His friend stated that it was all consensual, no rape, so he's supporting McGuiness' version of events. It would hardly be his fault that McGuinness is still in jail...why wouldn't they still be friends? Maybe the fact that he doesn't have a passport is complicating the bail issue since I'm sure his own family would put up the money...he's a foreigner who could flee. I don't know, I'm simply responding to what the media is putting out there and so far, it seems the girl's version of events don't fit since one of the accused had all charges dropped. Also the fact that the prosecution needs additional time to investigate the allegations shows that, at present, they don't have an airtight case by any means. Why believe the man, you ask? Well, based on what you've read, why would you just assume the woman is telling the truth? Actually, in most cases of rape, women are believed and the police take the accusations very seriously (as in this case) BUT up to 10% of rape accusations are false (could be higher) and innocent men have gone to jail. Whatever you choose to believe, the alleged victim (rightly) remains anon while the accused has his name, picture and nationality splashed all over the internet and he hasn't even been convicted of a crime. As a previous poster said, his reputation is already ruined. Hardly fair if it turns out he's innocent.

If he's so well liked by his co workers and owners of the pub, why haven't they helped put up a measly $5000? The question is why does everyone take a man's side. His friend was let off, seems this isn't going to be a friend for long.

Actually, the prosecution have to prove his guilt, so the burden of proof is on them & the alleged victim, not the defendant. The defence just needs to provide 'reasonable doubt'. Well, in theory anyway. It seems the media decides who's innocent or guilty these days...

Damien has already had his reputation ruined. Even when he eventually "proves" his innocence he will still be a marked man. Just out of curiosity, if you are innocent until proven guilty, why is it you have to prove your innocence?

Being accused is not the same as being convicted....he's entitled to his day in court and until then, innocent until PROVEN guilty...? What compelling evidence is there that the girl is telling the truth? The other accused lad was released and allowed home, so I'd question her credibility based on that. Actually, he's also well-liked by his co-workers at Dalton's Pub, not just those who drink there. And are you suggesting that all people who drink in pubs are drunkards with bad judgement?

What is all this bullshit about helping him! Just some sore feelings from the young lady! This is why the god dam catholic church has ruined so many young Irish. We let people get away with criminal acts. The man is accused of raping a woman. He's not even in his own country. He's well liked at a pub, by people who drink all the time. What is wrong with this picture?

1st - to Mandrake: it was Duddy released, not McGuinness. 2nd - to Suivness10: He is from Northern Ireland, he would not contact the Irish Consulate, he would contact the UK consulate. 3rd - I'm sure there is just some sore feelings somehow attached to the young lady's complaint, but this still needs to be thouroughly investigated. Both sides require attention in this case. 4th - The man is so well liked by all at Dalton's Pub, why haven't they passed the hat to collect 5 Grand and get the poor guy out of jail. Come'on folks...step up and help ur man.

as i said i know damien very well he is a stand up guy hope its not long before hes home,as for damien being in the usa every other irish guy you talk to want to go to the usa to follow the great american dream,god bless all involved hope this is a learning curve for everyone,