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Donegal man sexually assaulted partner's best friend while she slept
Summary
Richard Walsh, 32, of Lisminton, Ballintra, Co Donegal, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sexually assaulting his partner's best friend while she slept on a sofa in his home on December 13, 2020. The victim, in her 20s, reported waking with pain and later told gardai she was tampered with. DNA evidence from Walsh's underwear matched the victim. Walsh initially denied contact but later admitted the offence. Justice Tony Hunt noted Walsh's previous conviction for defilement of a child under 17, for which he pleaded guilty and received a custodial sentence of one year and eight months in January 2023. Walsh was on bail for that unrelated offence at the time of the current incident. The court heard a victim impact statement detailing long-term trauma, depression, and loss of relationships. Walsh read a letter apologising for the harm caused, though the victim did not accept it. Justice Hunt commended the victim's strength and stated the guilty plea vindicated her. The judge adjourned the case to January 19, 2026, for sentencing. Walsh, who had been on bail, was remanded into custody to appear on that date. Counsel noted Walsh is a father of two and warned of community shunning upon release.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Donegal man sexually assaulted partner's best friend while she slept. Charges or matters: defilement and in January 2023 received a custodial sentence of one year and eight months. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 13, 2020 Incident
- January 19, 2026 Adjournment
- December 23, 2011 Incident
- January 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-11-12 Publication
Why: She said she pursued the case for five years because "I truly couldn't live the rest of my life knowing he could do this to another woman". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: defilement and in January 2023 received a custodial sentence of one year and eight months (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He ultimately pleaded guilty to defilement and in January 2023 received a custodial sentence of one year and eight months.; He adjourned the case to January 19, 2026 and remanded Walsh, who had been on bail up to this point, into custody to appear for sentencing on that date.
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