Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who is "aware of the risks he poses to women" jailed for attempted sexual assault and threat to kill or cause serious harm
Summary
James Donoghue, aged 51, was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to sexually assault a woman on 6 January 2014. He followed the woman home from work, lunged at her, covered her eyes and mouth, and threatened to kill or seriously harm her if she did not turn off her mobile phone. The victim, who had moved to Ireland in 2011, sustained facial cuts and was hospitalized. Donoghue was stopped by Gardaí shortly after the attack; evidence included bite marks on his hand, the victim's DNA on a ring on his finger, and blood stains on his jacket. He had 13 prior convictions for serious assault and had stopped taking medication that suppressed his sexual urges, which he claimed contributed to the incident. Judge Martin Nolan suspended the last two years of a seven‑year sentence, citing Donoghue's inability to change his behaviour. The case was heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. James Donoghue pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who is "aware of the risks he poses to women" jailed for attempted sexual assault and threat to kill or cause serious harm. Charges or matters: attempting to sexually assault her and threatened to kill or cause her serious harm on January 6, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 6, 2014 Incident
- 2015-04-21 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempting to sexually assault her and threatened to kill or cause her serious harm on January 6, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan suspended the last two years of a seven year prison sentence. Judge Martin Nolan said Donoghue was out on the prowl and encountered the woman, whom he attacked with the intention of committing sexual assault. "It was a severe attack which left the woman traumatised," said Judge Nolan, adding that he believes the defendant is incapable of changing his behaviour. "He has a serious problem and has engaged with the Probation Services but nonetheless he still committed it," said Judge Nolan as he handed down the sentence.
Places mentioned
- Harold's Cross Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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