Dublin man tried kissing sister to ‘spark family conversation’, court hears

Tom Tuite

A Dublin man repeatedly attempted to kiss his sister as she was in bed and pull off her blankets to "spark a conversation in the family," a court heard.

The man in his 20s, who can not be named to protect the victim's anonymity, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting her in February 2024.

Sentencing at Dublin District Court was adjourned for the defence to obtain a medical report on the accused, said by his solicitor to have been suffering from psychosis at the time.

Garda Nathalie Gut Ferreira told Judge Treasa Kelly that the incident occurred at the family home.

The accused went into the young woman's room, "and tried to kiss her on the mouth three times," and he attempted to take off her blanket before she ran terrified to get help.

The man had to leave the household following the incident.

Garda Ferreira said that the man was later interviewed, made admissions, and also gave his explanation.

The woman came to court and presented a victim impact statement, which was not read aloud during the hearing. Judge Kelly thanked her for attending the proceedings and assured her that she had noted the contents of the document.

Defence solicitor Peter Keating had sight of it too and submitted that the woman did not refer to whether she knew her brother was psychotic at the time.

The judge agreed to defer finalising the case until a medical report on the accused was available.

The accused, who did not have to give evidence, was remanded on continuing bail to appear again for sentencing in March.

Earlier, the judge had ruled that the District Court was the appropriate trial venue rather than the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. After that ruling, the accused entered a guilty plea.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.