Cornel Onofrei jailed for sexual assault in Phoenix Park

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Cornel Onofrei was sentenced to 13 months, with the final four months suspended, for sexual assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 22 October 2021. The offence occurred in Dublin’s Phoenix Park after he drove the woman there instead of taking her home.

Judge Melanie Greally said Onofrei exploited a woman who was heavily intoxicated, taking her to a remote, poorly lit area before kissing her and causing her distress and fear. He had pleaded guilty, and the court heard he had 28 previous convictions.

The judge credited his guilty plea and admissions, while noting that he had not acknowledged his conduct as sexually harmful. The suspended portion was subject to strict conditions, including compliance with Probation Service directions for 12 months after release; he also brought €850 to court for the victim.