Courts / Dublin / Report
On-the-run abuser sentenced to 7 years in absentia
Summary
A man in his twenties has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment in absentia at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for sexually abusing a young relative in Dublin. He was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict on fourteen counts of sexual assault occurring between 2008 and 2011, when the victim was aged five to eight years old. The defendant absconded just before the jury delivered its verdict in May and has remained at large since. A bench warrant for his arrest was issued, but gardaí have been unable to locate him. During sentencing proceedings last week, the court heard a victim impact statement from the now teenage complainant, describing ongoing psychological effects including sleep disturbance and difficulty attending school. The defendant, who had been arrested in Cavan on the allegations but made no admissions during interview, is believed to be homeless in Dublin city. Mr Justice Michael White noted the breach of trust involved and that the offences spanned several years, though acknowledged the defendant's youth as a mitigating factor. The unnamed 24-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: On-the-run abuser sentenced to 7 years in absentia. Charges or matters: 14 counts of sexual assault at two locations in Dublin, on dates between June 2008 and October 2011. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 2008 Incident
- October 2011 Incident
- 2018-12-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 14 counts of sexual assault at two locations in Dublin, on dates between June 2008 and October 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A Dublin man who has been on the run since he went missing during his trial for sexually abusing his cousin has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment in his absence. Mr Justice McCarthy issued a bench warrant for the man's arrest and ordered that he be sentenced in his absence on a later date.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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