Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge tells jury "to get into the mind" of sex assault accused

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 30 November 2018, Judge Patricia Ryan instructed a jury of twelve to "get into the mind" of Patrick Beauchamp, a 26‑year‑old defendant from Ballsbridge. Beauchamp faced one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm for incidents that occurred at his home on 10 May 2015. He pleaded not guilty, denying the allegation that he had "humped" a sleeping woman and claiming he acted in self‑defence when he headbutted the woman's acquaintance and later punched him on the street. The judge explained that a belief in self‑defence need only be honest, not wholly justified, and that the force used must be reasonably necessary. She also urged the jury to consider whether an opportunity to retreat existed, while reminding them that the prosecution bore the burden of proof and that sympathy could not influence their verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge tells jury "to get into the mind" of sex assault accused. Charges or matters: one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm at his home in the early hours of May 10, 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 10, 2015 Incident
• 2018-11-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report