Robert John Woolsey, a well-known bike racer and businessman from Portadown, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecent assault. Appearing via video link from the Isle of Man Prison, Mr Woolsey appeared in the summary court at Douglas Courthouse, the Isle of Man’s lower court. The road racer, also known as RJ, is a director in his family’s concrete firm. However, the rape allegation can only be heard at the island’s higher court, the Court of General Gaol Delivery. Mr Woolsey will be committed to that court on July 25, where all three matters will be heard as the case proceeds towards a trial.
The charges involve an alleged incident in a portable toilet at Walpole Avenue in Douglas on Friday, May 26. Mr Woolsey was visiting the island at the time, competing in the Pre-TT Classic Races. Defence advocate Jim Travers represented Mr Woolsey, and made an application for bail. The defendant’s sister, who had travelled to the island, offered to put up a surety bond of £30,000 to secure his release on bail. Mr Travers asked for his client to be bailed to his home address in Portadown. However, if that was not acceptable, he also had a bail address in the Isle of Man, which a friend had offered to him.
The defence advocate stated that Mr Woolsey wished to clear his name, so he had every interest in concluding the proceedings. A trial at the Court of General Gaol Delivery would be a lengthy process and could be up to 12 months away. Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain opposed bail, stating that he was concerned that Mr Woolsey may fail to surrender as he lived off-island. High Bailiff Jayne Hughes refused to grant bail, stating that she was also concerned that the defendant could fail to surrender to the court. As a result, she remanded him in custody at the Isle of Man Prison.
Mr Woolsey, who is the joint owner of a concrete manufacturer, can appeal the decision not to grant bail. He is due to appear in the summary court at Douglas Courthouse in the island again on June 13.