Courts / Kerry / Report
Criminal is jailed for sexually assaulting "vulnerable" woman while on "drunken spree"
Summary
Shane Fitzgerald, 26, of Tullorum, Spa, Killarney, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for burglary and sexual assault committed in September 2015. He entered a flat in a Co Kerry town on a "drunken spree," barged in, pulled down his pants, exposed his penis and forced the vulnerable woman, in her fifties, to mouth it. The victim was awakened at 3.30 am, fled screaming, and was later assisted by a neighbour. Fitzgerald pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and has 56 prior convictions. The judge noted the crime's squalid nature, the victim's vulnerability, and Fitzgerald's dysfunctional background. He imposed a five‑year custodial sentence, followed by three years of post‑release supervision with the Probation Service. No other charges were brought against the accomplices. The victim remains in counselling and has not returned to her flat.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Criminal is jailed for sexually assaulting "vulnerable" woman while on "drunken spree". Charges or matters: burglary and sexual assault at the woman's home in a Co Kerry town in September 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 2015 Incident
- 2017-07-24 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary and sexual assault at the woman's home in a Co Kerry town in September 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Shane Fitzgerald (26) wrote a letter to the court in which he said: "I am the first to agree I deserve a custodial sentence." He said he could not believe what he had done but was ready to address his issues such as drink, drugs and anger management so nothing like this would happen again. Mr Justice McCarthy imposed a sentence of five years imprisonment and ordered Fitzgerald undergo three years post release supervision with The Probation Service.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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