Courts / Donegal / Report
Man (27) jailed for sexual assault on sleeping friend
Summary
A 27-year-old man has been jailed at the Central Criminal Court for sexually assaulting a woman while she slept at his apartment in County Donegal on 30 June 2019. He pleaded guilty to the offence. The victim, then 18 years old, was known to the accused and they had socialised together that evening before returning to his home. She fell asleep but woke to find him on top of her with his clothing removed. She asked him to stop and he did so. The woman reported the matter to gardaí the following day. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a sentence of three years, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. The judge noted the accused was aware the victim was asleep and had denied her the fundamental right to refuse intimacy. He took into account the man's expressions of remorse, his difficult personal history, and lack of previous convictions. A no-contact order was directed. The victim's statement was read to the court, in which she expressed hope that her reporting would help others.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man (27) jailed for sexual assault on sleeping friend. Charges or matters: a count of sexual assaulting the then 18-year-old woman at his apartment in County Donegal on June 30, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 30, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-01-11 Publication
Why: "No young girl should have to live like this, and that is a reason why I am here – I need to report this because I don't want anyone to have to go through this," she said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: a count of sexual assaulting the then 18-year-old woman at his apartment in County Donegal on June 30, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was handed a three-year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended. He imposed a sentence of three years but suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions in light of the man's expressions of "sincere remorse" and his engagement with relevant services.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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