Courts / Dublin / Report
RTÉ journalist to be sentenced for sexual assault
Summary
Mícheál Ó Leidhin, 38, a journalist with RTÉ, was convicted of sexual assault for an incident that occurred on the night of 13 May 2018. The alleged assault took place at his former home in south Dublin after the victim, who was drinking with a friend, met Ó Leidhin at a pub. They travelled to his flat, where they kissed and engaged in consensual foreplay. The victim later fell asleep; Ó Leidhin allegedly attempted to continue sexual activity while she was unconscious, groping her breasts and positioning himself on top of her. She reported the assault to Gardaí in April 2019. Ó Leidhin denied the offence initially but has now accepted the jury verdict. He has no prior convictions and was suspended from RTÉ. The victim's impact statement described lasting trauma, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The court adjourned sentencing to the following Monday and remanded Ó Leidhin on continuing bail.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: RTÉ journalist to be sentenced for sexual assault. Charges or matters: sexual assault at his former home in south Dublin in the early hours of the morning of May 13, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 13, 2018 Incident
- April 2019 Incident
- 2022-05-16 Publication
Why: She was unable to get public transport for a long time because the "touch from a stranger was unbearable". CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: sexual assault at his former home in south Dublin in the early hours of the morning of May 13, 2018 (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; A journalist employed by RTÉ will be sentenced next week for sexual assaulting a woman while she was sleeping in his bed.; Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned sentencing to Monday next and remanded the defendant on continuing bail.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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