Courts / Dublin / Report
'Profoundly disturbing': man attacked and tried to rape Ukrainian refugee outside nightclub
Summary
In October 2025, a 43‑year‑old man from a European country was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for sexual assault and attempted rape of a Ukrainian refugee outside a Dublin nightclub in March 2024. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm before the trial. The court heard that the victim, who remains anonymous, was severely affected, losing work, experiencing health problems, and fearing for her daughter. The judge described the offence as "profoundly disturbing, degrading, primitive" and set a headline sentence of ten years, reduced to nine years, with the final year suspended on conditions that the defendant have no contact with the victim and leave Ireland for 14 years after release. The defendant entered a bond agreeing to these terms. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, with CCTV evidence showing the assault and the victim's struggle. No prior convictions were recorded for the defendant.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Profoundly disturbing': man attacked and tried to rape Ukrainian refugee outside nightclub. Charges or matters: sexual assault and attempted rape on a date in March 2024, following a trial at the Central Criminal Court earlier this year; assault causing harm to the complainant on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- March 2024 Incident
- 2025-10-17 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: sexual assault and attempted rape on a date in March 2024, following a trial at the Central Criminal Court earlier this year; assault causing harm to the complainant on the same date (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; A man who tried to rape a Ukrainian refugee outside a Dublin nightclub in a "profoundly disturbing" attack has been jailed for eight years. The judge suspended the final year of the nine-year sentence on two conditions – that the man have no contact – direct or indirect – with the woman ever again and that upon his release from custody, he leave the State and not return for a period of 14 years.
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