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."