Wexford man who sexually assaulted teenage girl is given suspended prison sentence

By Megan Farrell, Wexford People

A Wexford man pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl on a date unknown between August 01 and August 14, 2022 when he appeared before Judge John Cheatle at Wexford District Court.

Detective Garda Patrick O’Brien gave evidence that on the night in question the girl was babysitting when the accused showed up looking for someone. She informed gardaí that she had sat on the stairs with him when he started “acting weird” and feeling her leg. The girl stated the defendant tried to kiss her and she told him to stop before leaving the stairs.

The young girl then went into the kitchen where the accused followed her and begin rubbing against her. She again asked him to stop when he grabbed her face and kissed her.

Tim Cummings, solicitor for the accused, stated that a probation report was before the court which outlined how initially the man denied the accusations as he was terrified to admit to the offence. However, after a period of self reflection the accused was said to have become more co-operative. Mr Cummings informed the court his client was deeply apologetic for the mistake he made on the night and had brought a sum of €4,000 for the girl as a show of genuine remorse.

The probation report described the man as haven accepted responsibility for the incident, expressing genuine remorse, and at a low risk of reoffending.

Mr Cummings highlighted that in the girls victim impact statement she does say she is now “getting better.” The solicitor informed the court that his client now understands the importance of consent after engaging in consent workshops with the probation services.

Judge Cheatle remarked that the girl was underage saying it takes things “a step too far”.

The judge also stated that if things had gone the way the accused had hoped on the night that he would be charged with a much more serious offence. Judge Cheatle stated he must acknowledge the fact that the offence is dealing with a minor and sentenced the accused to four months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and also ordered that the compensation be paid to the girl.