Man who tried to kiss a woman he didn’t know in a nightclub ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation
Wexford PeopleA Wexford man who attempted to kiss a woman he didn’t know when he was drunk was ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation when he appeared before Gorey District Court.
Harold Stephenson (25) of Larch Hill, Inch, Gorey, Wexford, was charged with assaulting the woman on December 10, 2023, in the 64 Nightclub in Gorey, Co Wexford.
The court heard that 25-year-old Stephenson was on a night out with his friends on December 10 2023 when the incident occurred at 64 Nightclub in Gorey.
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The CCTV from the pub was shown to the court which shows Stephenson put his arm around he victim and attempt to kiss her. The older woman was on a night out with her family at the time and the parties were not known to each other.
Stephenson was arrested on February 23 2024 in relation to the offence but due to the level of alcohol he had consumed on the night he had no recollection of the incident.
Garda O’Farrell told the court that he had spent some time explaining the allegation to Stephenson due to his lack of memory of the night. However, once the accused was shown the CCTV footage he accepted responsibility and was apologetic for his actions.
Gardaí confirmed that the accused has one previous conviction which is road traffic in nature and that he was fully cooperative at all times during the investigation.
Garda O’Farrell confirmed he would have no concerns about Stephenson going forward as he has not come to the attention of An Garda Síochána since.
Justin McQuade BL, barrister for the accused, told the court Stephenson had just finished his masters, he is of good character, and is essentially a good lad.
He read a passage from the accused’s statement of interview were he is asked if he meant to “offend, upset, or assault” the injured party to which the young man replied “definitely not”.
Mr. McQuade BL pointed out to the court that Stephenson thought the woman would see the funny side of it but now understands his mistake and that not everyone has the same sense of humour.
Inspector Darragh Jennings informed the court the woman had prepared a victim impact statement which he read to the court on her behalf.
The woman’s statement informed the court that since the night in question she was “stressed, angry, sad, and emotionally drained”. She set out how she now feels nervous in social situations and had begun taking taxis home from events so as to avoid strangers on public transport.
The woman, who is self employed, stated that she had suffered financially due to the stress and sleepless nights as she had to take days off work.
Mr. McQuade BL submitted to the court that Stephenson acknowledges this was a regrettable incident and that alcohol played a role but it does not excuse his actions and he accepts that young men should behave in the appropriate manner.
The barrister stated that the injured party had eluded to a financial loss in her statement and the accused was prepared to offer €8,000 by way of compensation. He reiterated Stephenson’s cooperation in the investigation as well as the fact he made early admissions and plead guilty saving the woman needing to enter the witness box and give evidence.
Judge Kevin Staunton stated that upon viewing the CCTV these are the actions of a “drunken yaw”.
He went on to say that alcohol played a huge factor and he has no doubt that if drink had not been taken this incident would not have occurred. He describe the matter as “quite disgusting” and highlighted how his obnoxious drunk behaviour was frightening for the injured party. Judge Staunton stated it was appalling for Stephenson to be dancing with his friends and then to grab and try kiss this woman as it appeared he was “out of his mind with drink”. However. Judge Staunton accepted the apology given by the accused was genuine.
Judge Staunton concluded the accused “did something incredibly stupid and horrible”, he therefore convicted Stephenson and ordered him to pay €10,000 compensation to the injured party. If this amount was paid by September 1 then section 1(2) of the Probation Act would apply and the man would enter into a 12 month bond to be of good behaviour. Judge Staunton also ordered the defendant to attend as directed by the Probation Services all engagements and programmes dealing with the issue of consent in terms of physical contact. Judge Staunton said he hopes Stephenson learns from this as if he re-offends in a similar manner he will serve a prison sentence.