Peter Jackson, the father of rugby player Paddy Jackson, has expressed deep distress over false bribery allegations made by Danielle Meagher. These claims suggested that he attempted to bribe a witness during his son’s rape trial.
Paddy Jackson’s Rape Trial
In 2018, Paddy Jackson, now 33, and his teammate Stuart Olding, 32, were acquitted of rape charges against the same woman. This highprofile case garnered significant media attention, and both athletes firmly denied any allegations of wrongdoing throughout the trial.
Impact of False Allegations
The unfounded accusations have taken a toll on Peter Jackson’s mental and physical health. He reported that social media rumors devastated his selfesteem, leaving him socially isolated. In August 2023, he suffered a stroke, which he attributes to the intense stress caused by these false claims.
- Peter Jackson faced public scrutiny due to Meagher’s allegations.
- He described the fallout as making him feel “criminally dishonest.”
- His wife, Gay, highlighted the significant effects on their lives since the allegations surfaced.
Legal Action Against Meagher
Peter Jackson has taken legal action against Danielle Meagher, also known as Danielle Collins, for her damaging tweets. These claims alleged that he tried to bribe the complainant in the case. The court previously ruled in his favor regarding defamation, but Meagher did not attend the subsequent hearing concerning damages.
Mr. Jackson’s legal team asserted that the repercussions of the allegations have persisted for over seven years. They emphasized the need for vindication in light of the serious impact on his life.
Awaiting Justice
Judge Master Harvey is expected to deliver a ruling on the compensation amount soon. This case underscores the severe consequences that false allegations can impose on an individual’s life and reputation.
The court’s forthcoming decision could provide Peter Jackson and his family with a longoverdue resolution and a chance to rebuild their lives after this ordeal.