Courts / Dublin / Report

Man accused of raping woman with Down syndrome told gardaí he never heard of the condition

Date
2015-11-27

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a 2015 case, a 34‑year‑old foreign national was arrested and charged with rape, sexual assault and having sex with a mentally impaired person. He claimed he had never heard of Down syndrome and denied knowing the woman was mentally impaired. He admitted some sexual contact but insisted it was consensual. The woman, in her twenties, had been separated from her mother and was taken to the accused's home where the alleged rape occurred on 12 June 2013. During Garda interviews, the accused denied having sex with anyone that day, said he frequently had sex with women met on the street, and repeatedly claimed he had never spoken to a woman on the street that day. He also denied grabbing anyone. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continued with a jury of twelve. The unnamed 34-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of raping woman with Down syndrome told gardaí he never heard of the condition. Charges or matters: rape, sexual assault and having sex with a mentally impaired person at his Dublin home on June 12, 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When: