24/10/2011

Garda Sergeant Pleads 'Not Guilty' To Sex Assault

A Garda sergeant has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted two of his female colleagues while he was on duty last year.

Making his second appearance in Dublin District Court the sergeant in his 40s faced three charges of sexual assault, alleged to have occurred between March and June 2010.

One of the complainants claims that she was sexually assaulted twice while the other claims she was assaulted once.

The defendant spoke only briefly in court today to plead "not guilty" to all three charges of sexual assault. He also elected for a non-jury trial in the District Court.

An outline of the allegations was given to the court on September 23 last.

In the first incident the victim alleged that the accused pressed his pelvic area into her posterior and at the same time placed his hands on her hips and made a pumping motion. The injured party was leaning over a desk at the time.

About two-and-a-half months later the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted her again in an office in work.

The court has heard it is alleged that: "The accused came up towards her and pressed his left hand to the side of her left breast while saying: 'Wake up'."

Two days before that it has been heard that the second victim said she was leaning over to put something into a locker when the defendant allegedly "grabbed the inside of her right upper thigh at the fleshy part at which she screamed".

It is alleged the accused then said: "I'd say you are some screamer in bed'".

Due to reporting restrictions neither the accused nor the alleged victims can be named.

(LB/BMcC)

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