This article details a court case where a man from Ukraine, who had been working as a Maths teacher in Ireland, was convicted of sexual assault and other offenses.
Hear’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Offense:
The victim advertised for a lodger to help with rent.
The accused responded, moved in, and they began an intimate relationship.
The victim found the accused’s behaviour changed, especially with increased alcohol consumption.
In March 2024, the victim asked the accused to leave due to his intoxication.
When she stated she was leaving, the accused assaulted her, including choking her, kicking her, and then sexually assaulting her vaginally and digitally. He also made threats.
The Victim’s Experience:
The victim, who does not have good English, reported the assault to the Gardaí with the help of an interpreter.
She attended a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit where bruises were observed.
In a victim impact statement, she described living in constant fear and anxiety due to ongoing threats from the accused, even from prison. She felt he had “changed my life for the worse.”
The Accused’s Actions and Defence:
The accused denied the allegations, claiming he and the victim were planning to marry and go on holidays. He blamed her drinking for changes in her behavior.
While in prison, the accused attempted to pervert the course of justice by contacting the victim’s friend to get her to withdraw the complaint, offering money, and making threats to the victim and her mother.
His defense highlighted that his legal difficulties had arrived late in life and that he could not be penalized for pleading not guilty, but lost credit for pleading. He also mentioned the accused worked as a Maths teacher before moving to Ireland.
The Judge’s Findings:
The judge noted the accused’s unwillingness to take personal responsibility for his actions and the breaching of court orders as aggravating features.
The judge acknowledged the accused’s difficulties with the law had arrived late in life.
Legal proceedings:
Garda Edward Hammond provided testimony.
Tony McGillicuddy SC represented the defense.
Patrick Gageby SC prosecuted the case.
Support Facts:
* The article includes contact information for the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline and the Rape Crisis Help website for those affected by the issues raised.
