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Sacked Trinity manager withdraws reinstatement bid after college seeks to question him on sex assault
Summary
Brendan Leahy, a former Trinity College facilities manager, withdrew his bid to be reinstated after the college sought to question him about a sexual assault case. Leahy had pleaded guilty in 2018 to assaulting a woman at Kehoe's Pub and received a suspended three‑month sentence, a fine, and a compensation payment. He appealed to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was granted the benefit of the Probation Act in July 2021. In August 2021 he wrote to the college's HR department that the Circuit Court order meant his conviction was "disposed of". He filed an unfair dismissal claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 after being sacked in 2021. The Workplace Relations Commission hearing, held on 20 January 2023, considered evidence from the college, Leahy's barrister, and witnesses, and concluded with the adjudicator reviewing the case after a third and final hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sacked Trinity manager withdraws reinstatement bid after college seeks to question him on sex assault. Charges or matters: sexual assault… I am supposed to rely on 'it was on the low end of the scale'?" Ms Callaghan replied. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 2021 Incident
- July 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2017 Incident
- 14 December Incident
- April 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas Incident
- 2023-01-20 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: sexual assault… I am supposed to rely on 'it was on the low end of the scale'?" Ms Callaghan replied (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He received a suspended three-month sentence at Dublin District Court on condition that he complete a sex offenders course and to pay a fine and a further sum in compensation.
Places mentioned
- South Anne Street
- Dublin
- Dublin District Court
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Supreme Court
Topics
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