Jury retires in Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial
The State alleges he exposed himself to a then 17-year-old girl
THE JURY has retired to consider its verdict this Thursday afternoon in the Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial.
The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, will be referred to as Mr A, who was 18 at the time.
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The State alleges he exposed himself to a then 17-year-old at a Christmas party in December 2017.
He was originally charged with sexual assault which the State will not now proceed with after a further charge was added to the indictment - intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature.
Mr A has pleaded not guilty to the offence which is alleged to have taken place at a Christmas party on the outskirts of Limerick city in December 2017. A jury of seven women and five men was sworn in before Judge Dermot Sheehan at Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday, February 13.
READ MORE: 'I had a girlfriend. It didn’t happen,' claims accused in Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial
The closing speeches were given by prosecuting barrister John O'Sullivan and defence barrister Erin O'Hagan on Wednesday afternoon.
Judge Sheehan commenced his charge to the jury on Wednesday afternoon and continued it this Thursday morning.
At 12.39pm, the judge directed the jury to reach a verdict. He said all 12 jurors must agree to acquit or convict Mr A. The jury returned to court at 1.15pm.
Judge Sheehan told them to enjoy their lunch and to continue their deliberations at 2.15pm.