Courts / Ireland / Report

Teen who spanked neighbouring boy (6) placed under probation supervision

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 16‑year‑old boy was found guilty by a jury of one count of sexually assaulting a six‑year‑old neighbour in April 2019. The offence involved the older boy pulling down the younger child's trousers and repeatedly spanking his bare bottom in a local field near their homes. The accused, who was 14 at the time, denies the offence and has not shown remorse. He has no prior convictions. Mr Justice Paul Coffey noted the significant impact on the victim, describing the child as traumatised, vulnerable and intimidated, and observed that the families' previously cordial relationship has been damaged. The judge imposed a community sanction, ordering the boy to be supervised by the Probation Service until he turns 19 in November 2023, with conditions that he have no contact with the victim or other children and continue full‑time education.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen who spanked neighbouring boy (6) placed under probation supervision. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• April 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2023 Other
• 2021-01-29 Publication

Why: The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was found guilty by a jury of one count of sexually assaulting the then six year old child in April 2019. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding

Read the original CNI report