Courts / Ireland / Report
Sex worker attacker released on bail only to strike again
Summary
Andrew Cooney, 44, was sentenced to 13 years in prison with a two‑year suspended portion after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm and threats to kill against two escort women. The first victim, who had recently arrived in Ireland, was attacked on 9 October 2022 while at Cooney's home in Collins Place. He threatened her with a knife, forced sexual contact and struck her repeatedly, causing broken nose, lip cuts and other injuries. The second victim was assaulted on 8 September 2023 after Cooney lured her to his house, again using a knife, striking her, removing her clothes and sexually assaulting her. Both women suffered severe physical injuries and reported ongoing fear and inability to work. Cooney had been on bail for the first offence when the second attack occurred.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sex worker attacker released on bail only to strike again. Charges or matters: aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm and threats to kill against the first victim in this case on October 9, 2022, and sexual assault, assault causing harm and threats to kill against the second woman on September 8, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 9, 2022 Incident
- September 8, 2023 Incident
- October 10, 2022 Other
- 2025-06-27 Publication
Why: Cooney then began to threaten the woman with a knife, telling her he would kill her, telling her it was: "Because I am crazy. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm and threats to kill against the first victim in this case on October 9, 2022, and sexual assault, assault causing harm and threats to kill against the second woman on September 8, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: All of which were to run concurrently and consecutive to the sentence imposed in relation to the offending against the first woman. Mr Justice McGrath suspended the final two years of the sentence for a period of two years and placed Cooney under the supervision of the Probation Services.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Collins Place
- Collins Place
- Cooney's house
Topics
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