A man who sexually assaulted a County Clare girl after the two made contact through Snapchat failed to turn up for his sentencing on Tuesday as he is on COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ in France.
The 22 year old was due to appear at Ennis Circuit Court yesterday but his barrister told the court that travel restrictions in France concerning COVID-19 meant that his client has been unable to fly back to Ireland.
In February, the now-17-year-old complainant in the case told the court that she wanted justice for the sexual abuse perpetrated on her by what she described as a ‘vile creature’ when she was aged 12.
In the case, the accused – now aged 22 aged 17 at the time – has pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault against the girl between October 2014 and April 2015.
The two – who come from the same part of Co Clare – made direct contact initially anonymously through Snapchat and then met in person shortly after.
The man is currently living in France and the court was told that while he had booked a flight back to Ireland for the sentencing, COVID-19 travel restrictions meant that he has been unable to do so
Presiding Judge in the case, Gerald Keys, is due to retire from the bench on May 22nd next and he must give judgement before then.
Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly stated that the case is of some sensitivity and wouldn’t lend itself to a re-hearing.
Sentencing can be passed in the accused man’s absence but Judge Keys stated that he would have huge hesitation around that, adding it was unfortunate that there is no legislation to allow another judge give his written judgement after he has retired.
He adjourned the case to Thursday to see if progress can be made on the accused returning to Ireland or to determine if sentence can be given in his absence.
