Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for 'high risk' offender who grabbed at woman on city street
Summary
Jonas Mercado, 30, of Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, was sentenced to 12 months in prison with the final six months suspended on strict conditions after pleading guilty to a single charge of sexual assault. The offence occurred on Middle Abbey Street, Dublin, on 15 July 2017, when Mercado approached a woman speaking on her mobile phone, placed a hand on her leg, and attempted to tear her underwear. Passers‑by restrained him and he fled. The victim, who felt extremely vulnerable, reported the assault to Gardaí and later to the court. Judge Melanie Greally noted Mercado's intoxication, high risk of reoffending, and his remorse, including a €4,500 compensation payment. The sentence aims to be punitive and deterrent while encouraging treatment and responsibility under probation supervision. Jonas Mercado was convicted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for 'high risk' offender who grabbed at woman on city street. Charges or matters: one charge of sexual assault following an incident that occurred on Middle Abbey Street, Dublin on July 15, 2017; a breaking and entering offence while in Australia and gardai were informed by Australian authorities when Mercado left to return to Ireland last year. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- July 15, 2017 Incident
- 2021-10-18 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one charge of sexual assault following an incident that occurred on Middle Abbey Street, Dublin on July 15, 2017; a breaking and entering offence while in Australia and gardai were informed by Australian authorities when Mercado left to return to Ireland last year (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; She said the court would endeavour to reach a sentence which has a punitive and deterrent element in relation to this type of sexually aggressive behaviour but also has a suspended element to encourage him to face up his responsibilities and address his risk factors. She imposed a 12 month sentence with the final 6 months suspended on strict conditions including that he partake in offence related assessment and treatment while under probation supervision.; Judge Melanie Greally had previously adjourned the case after hearing evidence in June to allow a probation report and risk assessment be prepared.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Middle Abbey Street
- Dublin
- the victim to Ballymun Garda Station
- Ballymun
Topics
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