University College Dublin student withdraws appeal in rape‑allegation case

A medical student at University College Dublin (UCD) alleged she was raped by a fellow student in February 2023 and sued the university over inadequate academic allowances after failing six second‑year modules. The High Court dismissed her claim, finding UCD’s remediation plan lawful and noting the university’s efforts to support her. The student appealed the decision, but during Court of Appeal proceedings she was arrested on suspicion of deceiving the university; she was released without charge. Later that day the student’s counsel announced the appeal was being withdrawn and the case was struck out, with the court ordering the student to pay UCD’s legal costs.

The case highlights the legal and procedural challenges surrounding sexual assault allegations in higher education and the university’s response through academic remediation and legal defence.