Courts / Dublin / Report
'Everyone should have the right to get home safely': sex assault survivor wants to encourage others to be 'more vocal'
Summary
Stephen Markham, a sexual assault survivor, has spoken out about the importance of being vocal if someone experiences a similar incident. He was sexually assaulted by Cezar Toader, an on-bail offender, who followed him home after they met in Dublin City Centre in 2020. Toader, who is part of the Roma community, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final six months suspended. Markham waived his anonymity and shared his victim impact statement, detailing the emotional and psychological toll the assault had on him, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from the community and gardai, and encouraged others to speak out if they are victims of similar crimes. The court heard that Toader had a history of previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the assault. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the courage of Markham in coming forward and noted the impact of the crime on the victim. Cezar Toader pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Everyone should have the right to get home safely': sex assault survivor wants to encourage others to be 'more vocal'. Charges or matters: sexual assault at an apartment complex in Dublin City Centre. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 22, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2025 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-02-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: sexual assault at an apartment complex in Dublin City Centre (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was today handed a four-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. Having imposed a four-year sentence, Judge Crowe suspended the final six months for two years, directing Toader to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dame Street
- Mostyn of Kevin Street Garda Station
- Kevin Street
- went to his local garda station
Topics
Related court reports
- 'Brilliant law academic' who stabbed elderly father to death found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity
- 'He told me he loved me, but I just kept stabbing him' - lawyer on trial accused of murdering father
- Mentally ill man who received suspended sentence for harassing barrister contacted her within days of release, court hears
- Former solicitor at prestigious firm pleads not guilty to murdering father by reason of insanity
- Sentence adjourned for broadcaster Brendan Courtney's attacker
- 'I'm going to kill you' - Carjacker held knife to elderly woman's throat
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request