Courts / Meath / Report

Man (21) denies attacking and robbing transgender escort

Summary

Ben O'Reilly, 21, stood trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting and robbing Fernanda de Freitas, a transgender escort, on 20 May 2017. De Freitas, who worked as a sex worker, met O'Reilly through the app Grinder and arranged a meeting at her home. She claimed he offered €500 to stay, then paid €150 and received €30 back. After sex, O'Reilly allegedly behaved erratically, left the bathroom, masturbated, then returned, demanded his money back, and took her phone. He allegedly punched her many times, pressed his hands around her neck, and threatened her. De Freitas said she struck him in the groin to escape, returned the money, and an additional €50 fell to the floor. She was left with cuts to her mouth and swollen eyes. The trial continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury. Ben O'Reilly pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man (21) denies attacking and robbing transgender escort. Charges or matters: assaulting Fernanda de Freitas causing her harm and robbing her of cash and her iPhone at her home on May 20, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 20, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-12-12 Publication

Why: I thought he was doing this because of the money so I yelled at him that I would give back the money if he stopped," Ms de Freitas testified. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report