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Teen sex attacker case suggests there is no place where a woman 'can necessarily feel safe', judge notes
Summary
In a High Court sentencing hearing, 19‑year‑old Joshua Doolan was convicted of aggravated sexual assault after he violently attacked a 43‑year‑old woman on a Dublin suburban street. The judge described the offence as "very disturbing" and noted the victim's testimony that the assault "irreversibly altered the course" of her life. Doolan, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to seven years' custody with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to be supervised by Probation Services for three years after release. The judge highlighted mitigating factors such as Doolan's age, his diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, and his willingness to engage with counselling and probation services. The victim's impact statement detailed the lasting psychological trauma and the profound loss of safety and freedom she experienced following the attack.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen sex attacker case suggests there is no place where a woman 'can necessarily feel safe', judge notes. Charges or matters: aggravated sexual assault of the woman on November 16, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 16, 2022 Incident
- 2024-05-03 Publication
Why: all because of one person's desire for power, control and for sex". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: aggravated sexual assault of the woman on November 16, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt today handed Doolan a sentence of seven years with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. I have had a life sentence imposed on me, fundamentally altering me as a person that is irreversible," the woman said. "I am determined to now use my strength and resilience to heal and create a future," she said in concluding her victim impact statement.
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