Courts / Dublin / Report

Pensioner avoids jail for sexual assault of neighbour's daughter (7)

Summary

A 77‑year‑old father of six pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of sexual assault against a seven‑year‑old neighbour. The court found the offences to be on the lower end of the scale and, after noting the defendant's lack of prior convictions and his expressed remorse, suspended an 18‑month sentence on strict conditions. The judge described the man as regretful and "stricken with remorse" and believed he was unlikely to re‑offend. The incidents were reported after the child told her mother that the neighbour had kissed her on the lips and patted her bottom after inviting her into his home for an ice‑cream. The defendant later admitted the acts, expressed regret, and asked the Garda to convey his apologies to the family. The court did not read the victim impact report, and the defence submitted four documents, including references and a statement about the defendant's health and loneliness.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pensioner avoids jail for sexual assault of neighbour's daughter (7). Charges or matters: two charges of sexual assault in his Dublin home on dates in April 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• April 2017 Incident
• 2018-04-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report