Courts / Dublin / Report
Rapist out on bail when he sexually assaulted sleeping woman
Summary
Joseph Parker, 32, of Crowfall, Bridge Road, Dublin 18, was convicted of sexual assault of a sleeping woman at a Dublin hotel on 9 September 2020. He pleaded guilty on the basis of recklessness, a plea that reduced the maximum ten‑year sentence. While on bail for a rape charge, he assaulted the woman, who had earlier told him she did not want intimacy. After she fell asleep, Parker entered her room, forced himself on her, and later tried to persuade her not to report the incident. The court, hearing the case at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, noted that Parker had cooperated with investigators and expressed remorse. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a headline sentence of four years, but, considering the guilty plea and cooperation, set a final sentence of two years imprisonment to be served consecutively to his existing term. The decision was made on 26 April 2024.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rapist out on bail when he sexually assaulted sleeping woman. Charges or matters: sexual assault of the woman at a Dublin hotel on September 9, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 9, 2020 Incident
- 2024-04-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: sexual assault of the woman at a Dublin hotel on September 9, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said he was not sure he could say with any degree of certainty that Parker would not offend again but noted the court was not in the business of preventive detention. "He must get a just sentence for what he did on the particular night," he said. Judge Nolan set a headline sentence of four years and noting the mitigating circumstances, such as the guilty plea, he imposed a sentence of two years imprisonment.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request