Man grabbed woman’s left breast on bus in the Midlands
The man pleaded guilty to sexual assault
A man admitted grabbing a woman’s left breast during a bus journey in Laois.
The man (54), who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, admitted to committing a sexual assault in Laois on March 6, 2022.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred on a bus in Laois at around 1am on the date in question.
“The injured party sat on the bus with the accused already on the bus behind her,” said Sgt Kirby.
“This gentleman mentioned the injured party’s funny bone and grabbed her left breast without consent,” he said.
He said the man had one previous conviction for drunk driving but said the offence had occurred many years ago. He told the court the victim was 53 years old.
Judge Nicola Andrews noted the early plea.
“I need to invite this lady to make a victim impact report,” she said.
Solicitor Philip Meagher requested legal aid and said his client had lost his job as a result of the incident.
Judge Andrews granted legal aid and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on December 12, 2024.