Security guard sexually assaulted cleaner at multinational’s Dublin office
A 34-year-old security guard who sexually assaulted a cleaner at the Irish head office of a multinational company has been sent for a probation report before sentencing, with the judge noting that restorative justice could be traumatic for the injured party.
The man, who has an address in Dublin 8 and cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to sexually assaulting the woman on 22 August, 2023.
Garda Andrew Crowley told Judge Aine Clancy that the injured party was working as a cleaner in the office, where the man was also working as a security guard.
Gda Crowley said that on the date of the offence the defendant approached the victim while she was looking out a window, put his hands on her hips and began grinding against her from behind.
He then followed her into a kitchen area where he stroked her inner thigh and asked what time she was finishing work.
Garda Crowley said there was a third incident later the same day. The injured party tried to avoid being alone with the defendant and asked her supervisor to go in the lift with her, but did not explain why.
When she saw the defendant enter the first lift, she decided to take a different one instead. However, the defendant followed her. The court heard the injured party froze and could not recall what was said, apart from brief small talk.
The lift went down to the basement where the injured party had to put rubbish out. The court heard that the defendant remained in the lift and did not get out when the victim exited.
Defence counsel, Ethan Foley BL, said the 34-year-old defendant accepts there was no excuse for his inappropriate conduct.
Mr Foley said his client was highly apologetic for his actions. Counsel said the defendant had worked as a security guard for three years and was hoping to get married next month.
Mr Foley suggested restorative justice could be suitable in the case.
Judge Clancy noted there were three separate incidents, which she considered to be towards the upper end of seriousness. She said restorative justice could be too traumatic for the injured party.
The judge ordered a probation report and put the case back to 10 July for sentencing.
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