Courts / Dublin / Report
Sentencing of bus driver who sexually abused special needs passenger is adjourned
Summary
The sentencing of a 72‑year‑old bus driver who sexually abused a 30‑year‑old special‑needs passenger is adjourned. The driver, who pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on the bus, had previously denied ten other charges. The court postponed the sentence to allow a full medical diagnosis after the driver's GP expressed grave concerns about his health. The victim, who has cerebral palsy and functions at a six‑ or seven‑year‑old level, disclosed the abuse after receiving a birthday card from the driver. She reported that he touched her breasts and private parts while driving her home, and she struck him when he refused to stop. The court noted the victim's mother was present and that the case causes distress to the family. The judge will sentence the driver once the medical report is available.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentencing of bus driver who sexually abused special needs passenger is adjourned. 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
- February 2011 Other
- 2016-01-27 Publication
Why: By Sonya McLean and Declan Brennan The sentencing of a bus driver for a residential home for people with special needs, who sexually assaulted a female passenger 16 years ago, has been adjourned because of a delay with a medical diagnosis for the man. 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: Judge Berkeley said the man's prognosis was a significant factor that must be taken into account before she finalised sentence.; By Sonya McLean and Declan Brennan The sentencing of a bus driver for a residential home for people with special needs, who sexually assaulted a female passenger 16 years ago, has been adjourned because of a delay with a medical diagnosis for the man.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mater Hospital
- came voluntarily to the garda station
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.