Courts / Dublin / Report

Case of clothes shop owner accused of making sexual comments to woman to stay in District Court

Summary

In a case heard in Tallaght District Court, a clothes shop owner was charged under Section 45 of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Act for allegedly lifting a woman's skirt and making a sexually explicit remark about her "beautiful pussy" while also making a suggestive hand gesture. The incident, reported to have occurred on 7 January 2022 in a Dublin shop, involved no physical contact. Garda Sergeant Ruth Finnegan presented the evidence, noting the alleged lifting and comment. The accused, represented by solicitor Michael Hennessy, pleaded not guilty and requested that the case be heard in a higher court with a judge and jury, arguing that the act was part of his job in alterations. Judge John Brennan denied this request, ruling that the offence was too minor for a higher court and that the State should not incur undue expense.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Case of clothes shop owner accused of making sexual comments to woman to stay in District Court. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 7th January Incident
• 20th May Adjournment
• 2025-04-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report