Racer accused of rape committed to higher court

Application to vary Northern Irish man's bail conditions refused 

A motorcycle racer from Northern Ireland who is accused of raping a Manx resident in a portable toilet has had his request to leave the Island refused.

Robert John Woolsey, who is currently residing at an address on Bray Hill in Douglas, appeared at Douglas Courthouse yesterday (25 July).

The 44-year-old allegedly committed the offence on 26 May when he was on the Isle of Man for the Pre-TT Classic Road Races.

The charge can only be heard at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

He has previously denied indecently assaulting the complainant, twice, on the same date during the incident which reportedly took place on Walpole Avenue in Douglas.

Committal proceedings, where the case is elevated to the higher court, were completed; he’ll appear there on a date to be set.

An application to vary his bail, so that he can return to County Armagh, was denied by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes.  

Bail – which was granted in June after an appeal - continues as before.

Update: Mr Woolsey will next appear in court on 23 January 2025.