Courts / Tipperary / Report

Boy who was 15 when he drunkenly sexually assaulted friend has detention suspended

Date
2022-05-23
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Tipperary
County
Tipperary

Summary

In a case heard in the Central Criminal Court, a 15‑year‑old boy sexually assaulted a 14‑year‑old girl in a field in County Tipperary in July 2019 after both had consumed alcohol. The boy pleaded guilty to the assault and, at the time of sentencing, was 18 with no other convictions. The victim, whose identity is protected, described the assault as a betrayal of trust and expressed fear of the perpetrator. The court considered the boy's cooperation, early plea, remorse, and participation in a youth diversion programme as mitigating factors, while noting the seriousness of the offence and breach of trust. Justice Paul McDermott imposed a sentence of two years' detention suspended for 12 months, with strict conditions including probation appointments, engagement with a sexual consent course, and a prohibition from approaching the victim. The boy must comply with all conditions to avoid future custodial detention.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Boy who was 15 when he drunkenly sexually assaulted friend has detention suspended. Charges or matters: sexual assault at a location in Co Tipperary on July 29, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: In her victim impact statement, which was read before the court by counsel, the victim said she trusted the accused a lot because he was her friend from their first year of secondary school and she does not think she will be able to trust anyone like that again. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 14-year-old

Accused

Charges: sexual assault at a location in Co Tipperary on July 29, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: A teenage boy who sexually assaulted his friend in a field has had a sentence of two years detention suspended. The case came before Justice Paul McDermott this morning who imposed a sentence of two years detention suspended for 12 months on strict conditions.; Mr Justice White adjourned the case to May 23, 2022.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Incident

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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