Courts / Dublin / Report

'Sinister and predatory' behaviour of security guard jailed for sexual assault

Date
2021-10-22
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Cornel Onofrei, 38, a security guard, was jailed for nine months after sexually assaulting a woman in Phoenix Park. The victim, who believed him to be a taxi driver, was heavily intoxicated and was taken to a remote dark location in the park where Onofrei kissed her. She pushed him off and got out of the car, later asking him to drive her home, which he did. Onofrei pleaded guilty to the assault on 17 December 2018. He has 28 prior convictions, including 14 road traffic offences. Judge Melanie Greally described his conduct as "sinister and predatory" and noted his lack of appreciation for the seriousness of his actions. He was sentenced to 13 months, with the final four months suspended, and must comply with strict probation conditions for 12 months.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Sinister and predatory' behaviour of security guard jailed for sexual assault. Charges or matters: sexually assaulting the woman at a place unknown in the Phoneix Park on December 17, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Cornel Onofrei

Defendant

Charges: sexually assaulting the woman at a place unknown in the Phoneix Park on December 17, 2018 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Greally sentenced Onofrei to 13 months imprisonment but suspended the final four months of the sentence on strict conditions, including that he follow all directions of the Probation Service for 12 months post release.

Places mentioned

Address Area
  • Phoenix Park
  • Phoneix Park
Journey Or Route
  • Dublin's Phoenix Park
  • Phoenix park
Court Venue
  • Phoenix Park. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
  • Dublin
Residence

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report

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