West Donegal businessman pleads guilty to sexually assaulting girl (15)
The man, who is in his 40s and cannot be named for legal reasons to protect the identity of the complainant in the case, tendered a guilty plea when he appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court
A west Donegal businessman has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
The man, who is in his 40s, cannot be named for legal reasons to protect the identity of the complainant in the case.
The accused man was arraigned at Letterkenny Circuit Court.
He pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the woman at a named location in County Donegal. He admitted sexually assaulting the girl by touching her breasts and vagina through her clothing.
The charge is contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990.
Ms Fiona Crawford BL, prosecutor for the State, said that the guilty plea to the count of sexual assault met the case on a full facts basis.
Barrister for the accused man, Mr James McGowan SC, with Mr Peter Nolan BL, instructed by solicitor Mr Donough Cleary, said his client is a businessman with “a number of employees”.
The man has no previous convictions, the court heard.
Mr McGowan sought the preparation of a probation and welfare report on behalf of his client.
Judge Roderick Maguire directed a probation report and asked that it included an assessment as to the accused’s suitability for community service.
Ms Crawford said the complainant was 15 at the time and is entitled to retain her anonymity.
Judge Maguire adjourned the matter until October for sentencing and the accused man was remanded on continuing bail with the existing terms and conditions to apply.