Courts / Meath / Report
Former youth rugby player avoids jail for attack on transgender escort
Summary
Ben O'Reilly, a 21‑year‑old former youth rugby player, was convicted of assaulting Fernanda de Freitas, a transgender escort, at her home on 20 May 2017. The trial, held in December 2019 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, found him guilty of assault but acquitted him of robbery. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, fully suspended on the condition he pays €10,000 in compensation to Ms de Freitas within 12 months. The judge noted the seriousness of the offence, the loss of support from family and friends, his suspension from the rugby club, and his good character and youth as mitigating factors. O'Reilly had no prior convictions and had been enlisted in the UK army, where a custodial sentence would have led to discharge. The case involved a dispute over payment for escort services, an initial payment of €150, and a subsequent assault after the victim demanded the remainder of the agreed €500. Ben O'Reilly pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former youth rugby player avoids jail for attack on transgender escort. Charges or matters: assaulting Fernanda de Freitas causing her harm; robbing her of cash and her iPhone. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 20, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-01-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting Fernanda de Freitas causing her harm; robbing her of cash and her iPhone (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Judge Sheahan sentenced O'Reilly to two years imprisonment, but suspended the sentence in full on condition that he pay €10,000 in compensation to Ms de Freitas within a period of 12 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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