‘addiction issues’ | 

Wexford man guilty of giving cocaine to 15-year-old girl and exposing himself

He pleaded guilty to ill-treatment of a child by inviting a 15-year-old to take cocaine and by supplying her with the drug

© Wexford People

Yesterday at 14:00

A jury was not required in the case of a County Wexford man in his early 40s who plied a teenager with cocaine.

Two women and ten men were sworn in to deal with the case when it was called at Wexford Circuit Court. However, they were discharged before any evidence was heard after the defendant changed his plea.

The redundant jurors were brought into the courtroom to witness the re-arraignment of the accused. He had originally replied not guilty in response to charges brought by Enniscorthy gardaí.

The case was then adjourned overnight and it emerged when the court resumed that the defendant had experienced a change of heart.

This time he pleaded guilty to ill-treatment of a child by inviting a 15-year-old to take cocaine and by supplying her with the drug.

He also admitted offensive conduct on the same occasion four years ago by exposing his genitals in a manner intended to cause fear or distress.

Defending barrister Michael Lynn sought time to allow preparation of a psychological report. He suggested that addiction issues were at play in the behaviour of his client.

Judge James McCourt allowed an adjournment until March but indicated that he wished to finalise the matter without delay. He also confirmed that reporting restrictions `were in force to prevent any possibility that the injured party could be identified in the press.

The restrictions also applied to the jurors, he told them before bidding them goodbye.