24-YEAR-OLD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

A 24-year-old Piercestown man who pleaded guilty to sexual assault, has been sentenced to two years in prison, with the final year suspended.

Gavin Murphy, of 19 Esmonde Drive, Piercestown, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on June 24, 2014.

Garda Alan Collins told Wexford Circuit Criminal Court that he was on duty when a complaint was received from the female victim who made a full statement. Garda Collins said that previously a jury had been sworn in but the defendant later entered a guilty plea. The offence happened in a house and the victim said she was sexually assaulted in her bedroom

The defendant later apologised for what had happened on the night, stating that he had taken cannabis that day. Garda Collins said Murphy had no previous convictions. Defence Counsel, Aidan Doyle, told the court that Murphy had fully co-operated with gardai. He said that the victim had offered advice to the defendant that he should stop smoking weed which he has subsequently done.

The defendant, said Mr. Doyle, is not a seasoned criminal. If he was to remain sober and drugs free, there would be some optimism for him. He started smoking cannabis at sixteen years of age and continued doing so up to recently.

Judge Barry Hickson said he would take into account Murphy’s plea of guilty. He said he had read various reports and they all speak highly of him. He would also take into account that he had no previous convictions.

Judge Hickson said the appropriate sentence is two years. He said he would impose that sentence and suspend the last twelve months, having taken into consideration the mitigating factors. He also ordered the defendant to enter into a bond for two years in his own bond of €100.

Judge Hickson also asked that the defendant’s name be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.