Jury discharged in sexual assault trial

THE JURY in the trial of a Polish man who had been accused of sexual assault and harassment was discharged last Tuesday at Wexford Criminal Circuit Court.

Dariusz Dypolt, of Ballydonnelly, Ballywilliam, Co. Wexford, pleaded not guilty to harassment on dates unknown between January 1, 2008, and February 29, 2012, at a location in County Wexford.

The defendant also pleaded not guilty to nine charges of sexual assault on a female on dates unknown between January 1, 2008, and February 29, 2012, at the same location.

The alleged victim in the case told prosecuting counsel Sinead Gleeson that Dypolt would, on occasion, grab her bum or her breast as he walked past her.

‘ It made me feel very uncomforta- ble. I hated it. I never gave him any reason to think it was ok to do that.’

‘ I didn’t say anything. I had little or no confidence... and was very shy. I was embarrassed. I couldn’t say anything.’ She said the incidents occurred between 2008 and 2012.

The woman also said that ‘on occasion he ( Dypolt) would make sexual comments such as “are you going home to have jiggy jiggy to- night” which I assumed meant was I going home to have sex’.

Under cross- examination from defence council Philip Sheahan the woman said that she had no reason to make up the allegations. She said in 2012 she asked the man to stop his behaviour.

Following legal argument Judge Hickson told the jury that ‘ as a result of something that emerged during the trial there is a distinct possibility that a prejudice could happen.

‘ I have acceded to a request to discharge the jury in this case. I do that because I have to be fair to everyone. It’s very important when people’s liberty is often at stake.’

He said Dypolt’s case would be adjourned until the next sittings of the circuit court.