violation | 

Wicklow man who sexually assaulted his friend as she slept jailed for three years

Conor Carty (23), of Rampere, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault

© Wicklow People

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A Wicklow man who sexually assaulted his friend at her home in a “complete breach of trust” has been jailed for three years and six months.

Conor Carty (23), of Rampere, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on a date in July 2020.

The victim indicated that she wished to retain her anonymity, but wanted Carty to be named.

Carty and the victim were known to each other. He had been drinking heavily and was highly intoxicated when he was put to bed in the victim’s bedroom. The court heard he had stayed overnight previously and was welcome in her family home.

The victim later went to bed and during the night, Carty sexually assaulted her three times over the course of 20 minutes. The victim pretended to be asleep.

When he left the room for a short period, she messaged her sister asking for help.

He told gardai he didn’t remember anything after being put to bed and couldn’t recall any sexual contact with the victim.

Carty has no previous convictions and has not come to garda attention since this incident.

Reading her own statement to the court, the victim said she has suffered panic attacks, suicidal ideation, night terrors and difficulties sleeping in the wake of the sexual assaults She also said she couldn’t allow anyone to touch her in the following months as she felt dirty, no matter how often she washed.

She said she couldn’t enter her bedroom or sleep there until “I burnt my mattress and anything he touched.”

The woman said she decided to take a year out of college due to the deterioration in her mental health. She outlined that she has trust issues, particularly with men.

He noted Carty’s guilty plea, good work history and family support. Mr Justice McDermott noted the contents of the probation report indicate some concern about Carty’s lack of memory about his offending and his level of insight.

Mr Justice McDermott imposed a sentence of four years and six months. He suspended the final year of the sentence on strict conditions, including that Carty place himself under probation supervision, engage with any recommended therapeutic programmes and have no contact with the victim

Carty said he was sorry for “unimaginable pain and anguish caused to you and your family”.

Counsel also read out letters from Carty’s parents and aunt and uncle, which outlined their support for him and apologised to the victim and her family.

Mr Grehan noted the probation officer expressed concern about Carty’s lack of memory of that night’s event.

He said his client takes full responsibility, accepts the victim’s “word as to what she said happened and he believes her”.

His client has otherwise led a “blameless life” and has a good work history since leaving college.