Courts / Cork / Report
One-time archaeology student tried to rape homeless man
Summary
In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, William Dollard, a 30‑year‑old homeless man, was convicted of sexual assault and attempted anal rape of a 61‑year‑old homeless man on 30 May 2017 in County Cork. The incident, lasting 11 minutes, was captured on CCTV and involved Dollard assaulting the victim while he lay on blankets on the street. Dollard pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence. The court noted his 26 prior convictions, mainly for drink‑related offences, and his alcohol abuse. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of six years for the attempted rape, but, after mitigation, sentenced Dollard to five years and six months with the final 18 months suspended for two years. A concurrent two‑year sentence was imposed for the sexual assault. Conditions include not approaching or contacting the victim. The court heard the victim suffered flashbacks and expressed a desire to move on with his life.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: One-time archaeology student tried to rape homeless man. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 30, 2017 Incident
- February 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-06-15 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Mr Justice McDermott set a headline sentence of six years for the attempted anal rape and, taking into account the mitigation, imposed a sentence of five years and six months with the final 18 months suspended for two years. He imposed a concurrent sentence of two years for the sexual assault.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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