Pre-TT competitor charged with rape bailed after appeal

Northern Irish man must reside at Douglas address during ongoing court proceedings 

A Pre-TT Classic Road Races competitor from Northern Ireland, who is accused of raping a Manx resident in a portable toilet, has been bailed following an appeal.

Robert John Woolsey, of Aghory Road in Portadown, had been remanded at the Isle of Man Prison after being charged with committing the offence on 26 May.

The 44-year-old appeared at Douglas Courthouse this afternoon (13 June) for an appeal hearing after a bail application in the Summary Court last week was unsuccessful.

Mr Woolsey has also been charged with committing two indecent assaults, against the complainant, during the same alleged incident on Walpole Avenue in Douglas.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court bail was opposed by the prosecution on the grounds that the defendant had no ties to the Isle of Man and, if released from custody, could fail to surrender.

This was described as a ‘generalised fear’ by Mr Woolsey’s advocate Jim Travers who said his client had access to a £42,000 surety and a bail address on the Island.

Deemster Graeme Cook heard from Mr Woolsey’s sister who confirmed, under oath, she could provide £30,000 to the court from her property investment company.

Mr Woolsey’s friend, with whom he will now reside on the Island, also told the court he would put forward £12,000 from his personal savings.

Describing the case as ‘complex’ Deemster Cook refused to grant Mr Woolsey bail to his home in Northern Ireland but did agree to grant bail, with conditions, to an address on Bray Hill in Douglas.

The concrete manufacturing boss must observe a 12-hour curfew with doorstep conditions, report to Police Headquarters daily, and is not allowed to contact witnesses in the case or enter two specific streets in the capital.

He is also banned from consuming or purchasing alcohol, or entering licensed premises, and must surrender his passport which the court was told is in Northern Ireland; he is not allowed to apply for a new one.

Committal proceedings – where the case is elevated to the Court of General Gaol Delivery – are expected to take place on 25 July.

Mr Woolsey has been bailed to that date and will be released from the Isle of Man Prison when his passport, and the £42,000 security bond, has been received by the court.