Trial for Pre-TT competitor who denies rape 

44-year-old allowed to return to Northern Ireland

A motorcycle racer from County Armagh who denies raping a Manx resident in a portable toilet has been given permission to return to Northern Ireland.

Robert John Woolsey, of Lough Road, appeared at Douglas Courthouse yesterday (Friday, 8 September).

The 44-year-old entered a not guilty plea to the offence which reportedly took place on Walpole Avenue on or about 26 May.

He also denied committing two offences of indecent assault, against the same complainant, on the same date; it’s alleged they took place whilst he was on the Island for the Pre-TT Classic Road Races.

A pre-trial review will be held in January next year followed by a 10-day trial which will start on 14 March 2023.

Mr Woolsey has been residing at a property on Bray Hill in Douglas since he was released from custody in July.  

An application to allow him to return to his mother’s address in Tandragee was opposed by the prosecution which said bail conditions would be ‘completely unenforceable’ there.

However Deemster Graeme Cook agreed to Mr Woolsey’s request after his mother paid a £30,000 security bond into court; this brings the total amount of security lodged to £60,000.

Mr Woolsey's passport has been retained by the court; bail was granted until his next appearance on 12 January.

Update: At Douglas Courthouse on 12 January it was confirmed Mr Woolsey's trial will start on 14 March. He will next appear in court on 21 February 2024 and was bailed until that date.

Update: At Douglas Courthouse on 28 February the March trial date was vacated.