Courts / Meath / Report

Accused told gardai that transgender escort attacked him with stiletto

Summary

Ben O'Reilly, aged 21, was charged at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court with assaulting and robbing Fernanda de Freitas, a transgender escort, on 20 May 2017. He claimed he acted in self‑defence after a dispute over money. O'Reilly said he had been attracted to transgender women, met de Freitas through a dating app, and had agreed to pay her €400‑€500 for sex. He alleged that after the encounter, de Freitas demanded money, swiped at him with a stiletto, and removed his wallet. O'Reilly admitted holding her neck for five to ten seconds, punching her twice, and a third blow that caused her to fall and hit her head. He denied paying €180, claimed he took her iPhone by mistake, and pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argued he robbed her, while the defence argued she became violent when she learned he lacked full payment. The case remains pending.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused told gardai that transgender escort attacked him with stiletto. 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
• 2019-12-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report