Schoolboy (18) sexually assaulted cousin (15) after "developing crush"

A County Cavan man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sexually assaulting his 15-year-old cousin as she slept beside him at his home in May 2015. He was 18 years old at the time of the offence. The court heard the pair had been raised closely together and that the man had developed a crush on his cousin. Following a birthday party where both drank alcohol, the girl fell asleep in his bed, a normal occurrence between them. She woke during the night aware of his presence and subsequent unusual sensations. The following morning, she confided in her mother. In garda interview, he admitted to touching his cousin inappropriately. A psychologist report noted he was sexually immature, had received no sex education, and his first discussion of sexual consent occurred in the garda station. The victim, now 18, stated in her impact statement that while frightened and emotionally distressed initially, she does not regard him as dangerous.