A 28-year-old man who resides in a care facility since he was badly injured in an accident nine years ago sexually assaulted a female care worker at the location, Trim Court has been told. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, assaulted the woman as she walked at the facility in Meath. Court Presenter Sergeant Brady told the court that the defendant had come up behind the woman and assaulted her. He had 12 previous convictions including those for burglary and drugs possession but none for this type of offence, the sergeant said.
The court heard that a victim impact statement was available but it was not introduced to the court. Defending barrister James O’Brien said that the man, who was accompanied to court by a number of care workers, had been in care since an accident nine years ago when he was severely injured. His client did know right from wrong but had difficulty with capacity.
Judge Eirinn McKiernan said the woman victim of the attack had been very upset at what had happened and it must have been very difficult for her. She sentenced the defendant to a month’s imprisonment, suspending it for 12 months.
