A 19-year-old man named Joshua Doolan was sentenced to jail for forcibly moving a woman off a public pathway into bushes while she was out walking in her neighbourhood one evening, resulting in aggravated assault charges.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the crime as “very disturbing” with profound and lasting effects on the victim.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Hunt remarked on the gravity of the crime, emphasizing the profound impact it had on the victim and the disturbing nature of the assault.
He expressed concern that such incidents undermine individuals’ sense of security in familiar places.
Doolan, from St Finians Green, Lucan, Co, Dublin, pleaded guilty to the aggravated sexual assault of the woman on November 16, 2022.
This being Doolan’s first time facing custody, Mr Justice Hunt noted that he had effectively ruined his own life through his actions.
Despite acknowledging mitigating factors such as Doolan’s age, personal circumstances, and willingness to engage with relevant services, Mr Justice Hunt handed down a sentence of seven years, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions.
The judge directed Doolan to have no contact with the victim, placing him under the supervision of the Probation Services for three years post-release. In her victim impact statement, the woman described the attack as altering the course of her life irreversibly.
The assault occurred when the woman, a stranger to Doolan, was out walking in a Dublin suburb one evening. She noticed Doolan walking behind her and felt uncomfortable before he grabbed and assaulted her near some bushes.
Despite Doolan’s attempt to restrain her, the woman fought back vigorously, managing to resist and escape his grasp.
A passing public member came to her aid, immediately reporting the incident to the authorities.
Police investigations, including door-to-door enquiries and CCTV footage analysis, led to Doolan’s identification and subsequent arrest.
During interviews, Doolan expressed remorse for his actions, attributing them in part to his diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome.
Doolan’s defence counsel highlighted his client’s remorse, cooperation with authorities, and efforts to address his actions through counselling and engagement with probation officers. Despite this, Mr Justice Hunt emphasized the severity of the offence and its lasting impact on the victim.
The case underscores broader concerns about safety and security, with Mr Justice Hunt noting that incidents like these challenge the perception of safety in familiar environments.
As Doolan serves his sentence, the victim continues to grapple with the aftermath of the assault, highlighting the enduring impact of such crimes on individuals and communities.
The sentencing of Joshua Doolan for aggravated sexual assault serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence and severity of gender-based violence in society. Despite progress in raising awareness and addressing such crimes, incidents like these underscore the urgent need for continued efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women.
In response to the assault, community organizations and advocacy groups have called for increased support and resources for survivors of sexual violence. They emphasize the importance of comprehensive services, including counselling, legal assistance, and safety planning, to ensure survivors receive the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
Related
