Courts / Dublin / Report

Defendant in sexual exploitation case "didn't know he was committing crime"

Summary

A 20-year-old defendant, who was 16 at the time of the offences, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child in Dublin on August 21 and August 25, 2015. The Central Criminal Court heard that the defendant forced a 12-year-old girl to perform oral sex on him in a public park while other youths recorded the act on mobile phones. Four days later, he allegedly coerced the victim into performing oral sex on a younger boy, threatening to distribute the recorded images if she refused. The defendant's legal team, led by Seamus Clarke SC, argued that the client believed the victim was 14 and did not realize his actions were illegal. The defendant submitted a letter apologizing to the victim, describing himself and the other boy as teenagers with little sense. Mr Justice Michael White adjourned the sentencing to October 17. Separately, the younger boy involved in the second incident was sentenced last August and ordered to complete 180 hours of community service. His defense counsel, Roisin Lacey SC, stated that the boy acted under fear of social media repercussions and had a limited understanding of consent. Neither defendant can be named to protect the victim's identity.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Defendant in sexual exploitation case "didn't know he was committing crime". Charges or matters: two counts of sexual exploitation of a child at a place in Dublin on August 21 and August 25, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 21 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 25, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 17 Adjournment
• 2019-10-09 Publication

Why: Neither of the defendants can be named in order to protect the identity of the victim. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report