Donegal man sexually assaulted partner's best friend while she slept

A 32-year-old man from Ballintra, County Donegal has been remanded in custody pending sentencing after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a woman while she slept at his home on Main Street, Ballintra on 13 December 2020. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court. The victim, in her 20s, was asleep on a sofa when the assault occurred. DNA evidence recovered from the man's clothing linked him to the offence. The defendant initially denied involvement but later changed his plea to guilty. During proceedings, the court heard evidence of a previous conviction for a sexual offence against a minor. The victim delivered an impact statement describing the lasting trauma caused by the assault. Justice Tony Hunt commended her courage and adjourned the case to 19 January 2026 for sentencing. The defendant, previously on bail, was remanded into custody.