After being charged with the rape of a young woman on an isolated path in an Northern Ireland park last Wednesday, James Wright tried to “strangle himself”.
The ill-fated suicide attempt was the first sign that Wright was of subnormal intelligence.
Since his arrest, Wright has refused to answer any questions, refused to provide intimate body samples and refused to take part in an identification process.
Police observed that his behaviour was not violent or angry – rather, it appeared that Wright had no comprehension of the charges brought against him.
Psychologists who assessed Wright say his IQ hovers around 44, raising questions about his suitability to stand trial.
In Wright’s bail application yesterday, the prosecution told the High Court that the victim had been walking her dog through the park when Wright grabbed her, placing his hand over her mouth so that she couldn’t breathe.
“She said she was scared, concerned that he was going to kill her and realised there was no-one there coming to help her,” the prosecution told the court.
Dungannon Park, where the rape took place.
"At this point she became resigned to what was going to happen and said she did not resist (as) he put her to the ground."
It is alleged that Wright asked the victim intrusive personal questions while he raped her, leading the victim to believe "he had a learning difficulty of some sort".
The 23-year-old told his defence team yesterday that the "pressure was getting to him".
The judge adjourned the bail application pending further investigation of Wright's mental condition.
"There's an obligation on this court to take steps to protect the victim - and this lady has been raped, this isn't an alleged rape - and other members of the public," the judge said.
"But there's also an obligation, given the circumstances, the IQ and limitations of Mr Wright, to make sure he's protected. There isn't a conflict between those interests."
Watch: Waleed Aly speak out on the dangers of victim blaming.
Top Comments
So if he has developmental issues, that should preclude him fro prosecution and punishment. If he has mental issues, then he should be placed in a facility to treat him. Either way, he requires punishment of some sort and should be removed from the streets. Safety of the community should outweigh this man's rights.
So stupid = get out of jail free card now? Sorry, I don't care if he's of subnormal intelligence, if he knew his actions were wrong he should be punished, and as Rush said he's a danger and menace to the community. Surely the safety of the community overrides his unfortunate inherent stupidity?
It's offensive to call someone with a very low IQ "stupid". He has a moderate intellectual disability and learning difficulties.
This does NOT and should not give him a get out of jail free card. It also doesn't inherintley mean he's a good person. Assholes can have intellectuall disabilities too. They will probably consider some other supports for him, such as sex ed, access to sex workers, rehab and house arrest.
The guy is a violent rapist who appears to be using his low IQ to excuse his behaviour. I could call him a lot worse than "stupid".
If you have a low IQ, you are very unlikely to be able to "use it to excuse your behaviour". He is probably unable to think up such a cunning plot, and the article does state that police believe he may not even be aware of the charges against him. Something needs to be done to separate him from the community, all the same; but he is not using his low IQ as an excuse.