Dad of two, 33, had sexual relationship with 15-year-old girl
The case was heard at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A judge has requested an updated psychological report on a father of two who had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl.
The defendant, who was aged 33 and married at the time, cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim. He pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to three counts of engaging in a sexual act with a child under the age of 17 years. The charges relate to incidents between May 1, 2020, and October 14, 2020.
The court heard that the defendant began a relationship with the then 15-year-old girl in May 2020 and it lasted for nearly five months.
Detective Garda John Lynskey said the defendant picked up the 15-year-old at her house on October 10, 2020, to babysit his children about 10km away. However, the girl’s mother later learned that the pair had travelled to another town 75km away before returning to the man's home to mind the children.
“The eagle-eyed awareness shown by [the mother] led to her taking possession of her daughter’s mobile phone where she observed messages from the accused,” Det Lynskey said. “These messages were sent through an encrypted platform.”
The teenager subsequently admitted to her mother that a relationship had developed with the defendant and the matter was reported to Gardaí on October 14, 2020. The girl provided a statement to specialist Garda interviewers on October 26, 2020, in which she said she engaged in consensual oral sex three times with the accused.
Det Lynskey said Gardaí became aware of a text message the defendant sent to his wife on October 17, 2020, in which he admitted having had a sexual relationship with the girl. His marriage subsequently broke down.
When questioned by gardaí, the defendant made a full admission. He has no previous convictions.
The girl did not provide a victim impact statement.
Defending barrister Brendan McDonagh said some "banter" had progressed to flirtation when the defendant and the teenager undertook some painting together during the Covid-19 lockdown. The man had not initially sought out the relationship, but he now realised that as the adult he "should have called a halt to it". The relationship did not progress to full intercourse.
“This has cost him his own marriage,” he said.
The defendant is now rebuilding his life and is in a new relationship. He has a very strong work history and has completed the Safer Lives sex offenders programme.
Judge Eoin Garavan said the mother of the girl should be congratulated for knowing something was wrong.
“This was appalling, he betrayed his wife and family and the victim’s family and society at large."
Noting the contents of a report from a psychologist, who said the defendant did not pose a risk to children or young people, Judge Garavan said he would like a further psychotherapy assessment. If he is satisfied with that report, he will deal with the matter by way of a non-custodial sentence. The case was adjourned to February 29, 2024.
