Dublin Firefighter Denies Rape in Boston Trial

Court Hears Conflicting Accounts of St. Patrick’s Day Incident

A Dublin firefighter on trial in Boston for rape charges maintained his innocence in recorded testimony, claiming he had no contact with the alleged victim. The case centers around events following St. Patrick’s Day celebrations last year, raising questions about consent and memory.

Conflicting Testimony Emerges

Terence Crosbie (39) told Boston detectives he “didn’t touch her,” during an interview played in court Wednesday. The complainant, a 29-year-old attorney, alleges she was sexually assaulted by Crosbie while his colleague, Liam O’Brien, slept in the same hotel room. She stated she had consensual relations with O’Brien after meeting him at The Black Rose bar.

The woman claims she awoke to find Crosbie allegedly assaulting her. Crosbie has pleaded not guilty. He recounted to detectives that he knocked on the door, used his phone as a flashlight, and “didn’t see anybody in the bed” upon returning to his room at the Omni Parker House hotel.

Investigation Details Unfold

Boston Police detective Joseph McDonough testified that the complainant could not recall O’Brien’s name or having met Crosbie prior to the alleged assault. Detectives identified Crosbie using hotel security footage and images provided by a federal agent. He was approached by police the day after the report was filed, while near an elevator in the hotel.

Crosbie explained he was one of ten Dublin Fire Brigade members in Boston for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. He acknowledged interacting with the complainant at The Black Rose and briefly as she went to the room with O’Brien. He stated he waited in the hallway while the complainant and O’Brien were inside the room.

According to Crosbie, after entering the room, he removed his pants and shirt, pulled back the covers, and lay down. He then “heard a girl moving” and saw her leave with her belongings. He claims there were no interactions with the complainant before she departed, stating “Didn’t say hello, didn’t say goodbye, didn’t say anything.”

He was arrested after booking a flight back to Ireland. Detectives seized his luggage and photographed his clothing, including T-shirts and jumpers with American flag shamrocks and “Dublin Fire Brigade Boston 2024” embroidery.

Complainant’s Testimony and Medical Evidence

The complainant previously testified, in tears, that she “woke up to somebody on top of me” and was being raped. She also alleged that the assailant disparaged O’Brien during the assault, claiming he said, “I know you want this; [Mr O’Brien] can’t even do this for you – what a loser.” She stated she told him to “stop” and eventually broke free.

She further testified that the alleged attacker followed her around the room and attempted to enter the bathroom while she was inside. Defense attorney Daniel C Reilly questioned McDonough about inconsistencies in the complainant’s earlier statements, noting details about the bathroom incident weren’t provided until weeks after the alleged assault.

Reilly also pointed out that the complainant initially did not mention being in a separate bed from O’Brien when Crosbie entered the room. McDonough confirmed this was accurate. O’Brien declined to participate in the trial. Medical testimony revealed the complainant was found to have a vaginal tear hours after the alleged assault.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), approximately 97.3% of sexual assaults reported to law enforcement are committed by someone known to the victim. RAINN Statistics

The trial continues as jurors weigh the conflicting accounts and evidence presented in the case.