A Dublin man who sexually assaulted a woman who was collecting for charity has been remanded in custody for sentence by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Joseph Grant (61), Beech Park, Portrane, had been drinking whiskey after visiting his wife's grave when he committed the offence on March 9th, 1997. He pleaded guilty.
Judge Cyril Kelly said that apart from one neighbour who called gardai, the others remained indoors peeping through their curtains while the woman stood outside Grant's door screaming in terror.
While alcohol had been a factor, it was no excuse, he said. The woman did not deserve the public humiliation of being assaulted and having to stand outside the house screaming with her trousers in her hands.
She had accepted Grant's invitation to enter his house after she called on behalf of a charity organisation. She made coffee at his invitation and noted he had been drinking heavily. When she went to leave, Grant blocked her exit. She tripped and he fell on top of her.
In a statement Grant said his wife had been on his mind all day. He recalled the woman calling to his house. He said he felt dizzy when he stood up from his chair and fell on her. He said he had a sudden urge to make love to her but could not recall exposing himself and did not threaten her with violence.