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Third complainant tells trial he didn't have courage to report alleged sex assault by himself

Summary

In a trial for sexual assault, a 54‑year‑old complainant, the third to give evidence, explained that he did not report the alleged incident to the Gardaí until 2021, citing a lack of courage and a belief that the matter might not warrant police involvement. He recounted that in early 1994 he and the accused, a 59‑year‑old man, were in a double bed after a night of drinking. While asleep, the complainant says the accused licked his face and neck, pressed a hard penis against his lower body, and performed repetitive thrusting. The complainant described feeling frozen and later giving the accused physical resistance. He said the incident was humiliating and that he chose to keep it to himself until making a formal statement in 2021. The case is proceeding before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury. The unnamed 59-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Third complainant tells trial he didn't have courage to report alleged sex assault by himself. Charges or matters: two counts of sexual assault in relation to this complainant. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 2023-11-29 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report