Courts / Dublin / Report
Man with impaired development avoids jail for defilement of girl (15)
Summary
A 24‑year‑old man, who was 20 when the offence occurred, was found guilty of defilement of a 15‑year‑old girl in a library bathroom in Dublin between 1 November and 31 December 2017. The court heard that the defendant had impaired development and a history of foster care, foetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD, and that he and the girl had become friends through a mutual friend and later helped each other with homework. The girl, a fourth‑year secondary student, had turned 15 at the time of the incident and had suffered stress and panic attacks while in the library. She testified that the sexual act left her feeling unsafe, blamed herself and struggled to concentrate on schoolwork. The judge, citing the defendant's personal circumstances and the lack of a predatory motive, imposed a fully suspended three‑year sentence, with the entire term suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man with impaired development avoids jail for defilement of girl (15). Charges or matters: defilement of a child under the age of 17 at a location in Dublin on a date between November 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 1, 2017 Incident
- December 31, 2017 Incident
- 2021-06-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: defilement of a child under the age of 17 at a location in Dublin on a date between November 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: By Fiachra Gallagher A man who had sex with an underage girl in a library bathroom has received a fully suspended sentence. Judge Martin Nolan handed down a sentence of three years, with the entirety of the sentence suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
Places mentioned
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence
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