A MAN who sexually assaulted a girl and had sex with her while she was 13 to 15 years of age has been given a seven-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court by Judge Katherine Delahunt.
Fulvio Mizzoni (41) of Parkwood Grove, Old Bawn, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to six sample counts – five of sexually assaulting the girl on dates between July 2004 and September 2006, and one of engaging in a sexual act with an underage girl on dates between August 1st, 2006 and September 30th, 2006. He had no previous convictions and has been registered as a sex offender.
Judge Delahunt noted Mizzoni had €10,000 in court to offer as compensation, but his victim was not interested in it. She imposed a seven-year sentence, with the final year suspended on conditions.
Garda Pauline Glennon told Karen O’Connor, prosecuting, that a victim impact report before the court indicated the now 18-year-old girl said she wished she was dead. Garda Glennon said the girl told gardaí that during sex Mizzoni would ask whether she was OK, and that she had replied that she was because she said she was afraid and confused, and did not know what sex was.
She said Mizzoni told her it was her fault as much as his, and if she told anyone she would be blamed as much as him.
Garda Glennon said gardaí were made aware of the case when the girl left her 16th birthday party after becoming upset and told a friend what had been happening.
Mizzoni admitted sex with the girl to gardaí but claimed both of them initiated it the first time and it was not planned.He told gardaí they had sex about 10 times and he never forced himself on her.
Garda Glennon agreed with Gerry O’Brien SC, defending, that Mizzoni fully co-operated with the Garda investigation.
John Sherwin, a psychotherapist, told Mr O’Brien that Mizzoni had come to see him due to depression. After a couple of sessions he had revealed details of his offending behaviour. He said Mizzoni had expressed “extreme remorse” over his actions.