Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge refuses jurisdiction in case of man accused of sexual assault on boy (16) at gym

Summary

A judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in a gym changing room. Judge Karen Dowling ruled that the allegation was too serious to be dealt with at the District Court level. The incident occurred on 5 April last year, when the accused allegedly grabbed the boy's genitals over his trousers while smirking. The victim immediately informed staff, and Gardaí were contacted. CCTV footage was obtained, leading to the accused's arrest and interview. Judge Dowling stated that the seriousness of the allegation required the case to be heard in the Circuit Court. The matter was adjourned for six weeks to prepare a book of evidence. The charge relates to an incident under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge refuses jurisdiction in case of man accused of sexual assault on boy (16) at gym. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• 5 April Incident
• 15 January Adjournment
• 2025-12-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report