Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman sexually assaulted another woman during 'vicious and degrading' attack

Date
2024-01-19

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, a 49‑year‑old woman pleaded guilty to sexual assault and robbery at a Luas stop on 26 January 2023. The court described the assault as "vicious, humiliating and degrading," noting that the victim was forced to strip naked, had her legs held open, and was searched for items. The attacker threatened to kill her and throw her into the canal. The victim was found in a state of undress, upset, and later examined at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, where she had bruises and cuts but no vaginal injuries. Witnesses, including a man with a golf club, intervened and recovered a stolen mobile phone. The defendant had 49 prior convictions, many for drug offences, and was under the influence at the time. Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced her to four years' imprisonment, suspending the final 12 months on strict conditions, citing her early guilty plea and remorse as mitigating factors.