To the editor:

In the Jan. 23 coverage of the rape trial of Patrick C. Neal, the reporter says, “Jurors found 20-year-old Patrick C. Neal, Lawrence, guilty of rape Thursday evening for attacking a woman after she gave him a ride home from a downtown nightclub. The alleged attack happened early June 6.”

If the jurors found Neal guilty, then we can safely say the attack DID happen, and that it is no longer “alleged.” A competent jury decided the rape happened, and the only thing left to decide is what the punishment will be for that attack. To continue to use the word “alleged” debases the victim.

Let’s hope the punishment for this rape is something more significant than that recently given to the attackers of a 13-year-old resident.

Jennifer Lawler,

Lawrence