Courts / Dublin / Report
Bus driver to be sentenced for sexual abuse of special needs victim
Summary
A 72‑year‑old bus driver, whose identity is withheld to protect a 30‑year‑old victim with cerebral palsy, will be sentenced on 27 January for two counts of sexual assault on the bus. He had previously pleaded not guilty to ten counts of assault, including incidents at a private residence when the victim was 13. The prosecution, led by Roisin Lacey BL, presented evidence that the driver touched the victim's breasts and private parts while driving her home, and that she had complained after receiving a birthday card. The driver, who has prior road‑traffic convictions, denied the allegations but later pleaded guilty to the bus assaults. He is currently in a care home, dependent on a state pension, and has medical concerns that were highlighted by his GP. The judge noted his health prognosis as a significant factor before finalising the sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bus driver to be sentenced for sexual abuse of special needs victim. Charges or matters: ten counts of sexually assaulting the woman in the vehicle and also at a private residence on dates between September 1998 and September 1999, while the woman was 13 years old. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 1998 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 1999 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 27 Adjournment
- February 2011 Other
- 2016-01-11 Publication
Why: A victim impact report was prepared by the woman's mother because she was concerned preparing such a report would be too upsetting for her daughter. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: ten counts of sexually assaulting the woman in the vehicle and also at a private residence on dates between September 1998 and September 1999, while the woman was 13 years old (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A bus driver for a residential home for people with special needs will be sentenced later this month for twice sexually assaulting a female passenger 16 years ago.; She adjourned the case to January 27 next to allow the man to attend an emergency medical appointment today as his GP was gravely concerned about his health.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- came voluntarily to the garda station
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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