Courts / Dublin / Report

Grandfather who sexually assaulted babysitter (13) cannot be named, despite victim waiving anonymity

Date
2019-06-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 62‑year‑old Dublin man was sentenced to two and a half years for sexually assaulting a 13‑year‑old babysitter of his grandchild. The jury found him guilty after a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. At the sentencing hearing, Fionnuala O'Sullivan BL noted that the complainant had asked to waive anonymity, but a pending High Court decision on whether she may do so means no identifying details can be published until a ruling is made. Judge Micheal White will decide later this month. Garda Michelle Nolan recounted that the investigation began in March 2016 after the victim, then in her 20s, complained of an August 2001 assault by the defendant, who had lived with her family. She described being babysitting the defendant's three‑year‑old granddaughter, sleeping in the same bed, and the defendant leaning over and attempting to kiss her before touching her genital area. He later denied the allegation and the apology he offered.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Grandfather who sexually assaulted babysitter (13) cannot be named, despite victim waiving anonymity. Procedural stage: trial

When: