Courts / Dublin / Report
Taxi driver has sentencing put back for sex attack on passenger
Summary
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned the sentencing of Gerard Gunnery Snr, a 60-year-old taxi driver, to January 29 due to medical reasons. Gunnery Snr, of Whitehall, Dublin, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman in Dublin city on December 23, 2017. The defendant, who was remanded in custody pending sentencing, was not produced to the court by the prison service for his scheduled hearing last Friday. Defence counsel stated they believed he may have had a hospital appointment. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter for finalisation, citing previously outlined medical issues. The court heard that since the offence was published, Gunnery Snr's son has faced threats and car vandalism; the Judge requested media distinguish between the father and son. The victim, who suffered bruising to her elbows, kneecaps, and jaw, told the court she woke to find the driver assaulting her before he threw her from the vehicle. She described enduring guilt and flashbacks. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued the actions were out of character for a hard-working man, while the Judge affirmed to the victim that the incident was not her fault.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Taxi driver has sentencing put back for sex attack on passenger. Charges or matters: sexually assaulting the woman in Dublin city on December 23, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 23, 2017 Adjournment
- January 29 Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas Other
- 2020-12-14 Publication
Why: The woman said Christmas time last year was difficult because of her fear of drinking and being "in town" again. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: sexually assaulting the woman in Dublin city on December 23, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Gunnery Snr, who was remanded in custody pending sentencing, had been due to be sentenced on Friday last, but was not produced to the court by the prison service.; Credit: Collins) The sentencing of a taxi driver who sexually assaulted a late night passenger after she fell asleep in his car has been adjourned due to medical reasons.
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