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Former Garda Reserve pleads guilty to rape and sexual assault of underage victim

The offences took place over the course of a number of years, starting when the victim was fourteen

Today at 19:51

A former member of the Garda Reserve has pleaded guilty to counts of rape, sexual assault and gross indecency in the Central Criminal Court today.

The offences took place over the course of a number of years, starting when the victim was fourteen years of age.

At a hearing in the Central Criminal Court on 31 October 2023, the accused pleaded guilty to one count of Rape, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990.

At today’s hearing, he pleaded guilty to a further count of rape, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of gross indecency with a male under 17 years of age, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993.

The prosecution of the former Garda Reserve was directed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following the completion of an independent criminal investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

The hearing was adjourned for sentencing on 22 January 2024.

Speaking today, Gsoc Chair Rory MacCabe said: “The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) welcomes the conclusion of this case, which concerned very serious sexual offences, including offences committed against a minor by a person in a position of trust and authority.

“I would like to commend my Gsoc colleagues for their hard work in conducting this criminal investigation, and in providing sustained support to the victim of these crimes. GSOC is particularly grateful to the victim for his cooperation throughout the investigation. GSOC acknowledges and understands that staying the course in an investigation and prosecution such as this is not an easy thing to do.

“GSOC takes allegations of abuse by members of An Garda Síochána very seriously. Any person who has been the subject abuse by a member of An Garda Síochána may take a complaint to GSOC. You will be heard, and your complaint will be examined thoroughly,” Mr McCabe said.

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, there are government-supported national and local services. For a full list of these services, please visit http://www.cosc.ie.