Man found guilty on nine counts of sexual assault at Wicklow Circuit Court
The Wicklow PeopleA man has been found guilty on nine counts of sexual assault that are alleged to have taken place in Co Wicklow during the 1990s
The accusations stem from separate complainants, who gave testimony on the opening two days of the trial at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court.
The trial began last week and concluded yesterday, on Thursday, October 16, with further evidence from close friends and a former partner of one of the victims also heard by the court during the trial.
On the final day of testimony, on Tuesday, October 14, the wife of the accused testified that she and the defendant have been married for the past 37 years.
She told the court that her husband suffered a medical incident in the early 2010s and now experiences severe health complications. She also spoke about her work schedule at the time the alleged incidents occurred, the daily routine of her husband, and elaborated on her relationships with the two alleged victims.
Judge Patrick Quinn retired the jury overnight to allow time for the closing arguments and his charge.
On Wednesday, October 15, the court heard the closing arguments from James Kelly, counsel for the prosecution, and Barry White SC, counsel for the defence.
The accused faced ten counts of sexual assault, alleged to have occurred over several years. Nine counts related to Victim Two, while one involved Victim One.
Before the jury retired, Judge Quinn directed a not guilty verdict on count nine, saying there was insufficient evidence to support that charge. He told the jury that the remaining counts were for them to decide.
Judge Quinn summarised Victim Two’s testimony, in which she said the incidents happened when she was a young girl at the accused’s home. On one occasion, she said he made a grinding motion against her while she sat on a bed, simulating sex. Victim Two also claimed he straddled her with his hand on his genitals. She said there was no penetration, but that this behaviour occurred regularly over the alleged period.
Judge Quinn also recapped Victim One’s testimony, in which she described a separate assault, saying the accused tried to kiss her and pushed her onto a couch at his home before she kicked him in the groin and ran from the house.
The judge instructed the jury that each count must be considered separately, and that indecent assault involves touching for sexual gratification and without consent. He added that the accused was entitled not to give evidence and that this should not be held against him.
The jury began deliberations at 2:40 pm and returned almost two hours later to request to hear the testimonies of the two complainants again. Judge Quinn asked whether they wished for a synopsis from his notes or direct access to the testimony and cross-examination. The jury requested to re-hear the evidence via the DAR (Digital Audio Recording).
Judge Quinn adjourned the matter until the following morning, Thursday, October 16, when the testimonies were heard again.
returned at 2:50 pm with their verdict, finding the defendant guilty on all nine remaining charges.The jury then retired and
Judge Quinn continued the accused’s bail due to his health conditions, noting that he requires daily medication and ongoing care.
However, as he is facing a prison sentence, Mr White, counsel for the defendant, told the court that the authorities should be instructed to make appropriate plans for his imprisonment.
The matter was adjourned until January 13, 2026 for sentencing.