Man given four year sentence for sexual assault

An alcoholic who sexually assaulted his mother's 58-year-old friend after breaking into her house has been sentenced to four years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Brian Farrell (aged 33) entered the woman's bedroom at 3.30am, jumped over her and pulled the duvet around her head to avoid being identified. He then sexually assaulted her before she managed to get free.

She calmed him down and offered him a drink because she was scared he would attack her again. He claimed he entered the house because he saw four people breaking in though her kitchen window.

Judge Patrica Ryan noted Farrell's probation report stated he showed a moderately high risk of reoffending and said she had to take into account the effect the assault had on his victim.

She suspended the final year of the sentence and backdated it to when he went into custody in April 2007. She also ordered he engage with the probation service for 18 months after his release and seek treatment for his alcohol problem.

Garda Corinne Finn told prosecuting counsel, Ms Mary Rose Gearty BL, that the woman, who has a heart condition, had known Farrell for many years and he used to be "best friends" with her son.

Defence counsel, Mr Padraig Dwyer SC, said Farrell was shocked when told what he had done and wished to publicly apologise. He said: "She is a lovely woman and I can't believe what I did. She didn't deserve that."

Farrell, of Foxhill Park, Coolock pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the woman on April 3, 2007. He has over 30 previous convictions, including one for assaulting a female taxi driver.