Courts / Wexford / Report
Man who sexually assaulted friend jailed for 18 months
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Robert Dunne, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault against a 24‑year‑old woman in Dublin. The assault occurred on 7 May 2018 at Island Bridge, when Dunne and the victim had alcohol and cocaine, followed by consensual sex that turned violent. Dunne repeatedly penetrated the victim while she pretended to be asleep, and she fled to a hotel where Gardaí were called. The victim's impact statement described lasting trauma, including thoughts of self‑harm and ongoing emotional distress. Dunne had no prior convictions and had shown remorse, including apologies and a letter to the victim. The judge, Justice Paul McDermott, imposed a headline sentence of four years, sentencing Dunne to three years on each count to run concurrently and suspending the final 18 months for two years under strict conditions. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the assaults and the victim's impact.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who sexually assaulted friend jailed for 18 months. Charges or matters: two counts of sexual assault at Island Bridge, Dublin 8, on May 7, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 7, 2018 Incident
- July 2019 Other
- 2023-07-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of sexual assault at Island Bridge, Dublin 8, on May 7, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice McDermott sentenced Dunne to three years in prison on each of the two counts to run concurrently.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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