‘Dangerous sexual predator’ jailed at Limerick Circuit Court

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A TIPPERARY man described by his Limerick victim as “a dangerous sexual predator and everyone should know his name” has been jailed for seven years with the final six months suspended at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court this Friday.

The woman, aged in her 40s and who doesn’t wish to be identified, had told the court what he had done to her “has completely destroyed my life”.

Denis O’Donovan, aged 38, of Ballyryan, Donohill, Co Tipperary was found guilty by a jury of two sexual assaults, false imprisonment and assault causing harm at a two week trial in April.

The defendant was before Judge Dermot Sheehan for judgement on Thursday, May 16. Lily Buckley, prosecuting barrister, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, gave a summary of the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Chris Cowan.

Ms Buckley told the court that the victim had been kidnapped from outside her home in County Limerick on a date in January 2020 by O’Donovan, who was on bail at the time for an aggravated burglary and criminal damage.

The court heard that O’Donovan pulled the victim into her car, drove off at speed, then repeatedly jabbed his fingers into her vagina and licked her vagina while choking her. The victim made good her escape by saying she wanted to get more comfortable. She fell out of the car, pulled up her tracksuit and panties and was “so desperate to get away that she went through a ditch”.

On that date in May, Judge Sheehan said he needed time to consider sentencing and adjourned matters until this Friday. O’Donovan was remanded in continuing custody. He has been in prison for 129 days on this matter.

READ MORE: ‘He is a dangerous sexual predator and everyone should know his name’: says Limerick victim

This Friday, Judge Sheehan said the woman was “clearly terrorised” by the accused from listening to the 999 call.

The judge said O’Donovan displayed “significant violence” when he repeatedly jabbed his fingers into the victim’s vagina and then licking it immediately after, while choking her.

“She said her humiliation was increased due to her being on her mensis,” said Judge Sheehan, who referred to the panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares suffered by the victim following the incident.

In mitigation, the judge said O’Donovan had made partial admissions, comes from a decent family, has a young daughter and drink had played a part in all his offending. O’Donovan has 39 previous convictions.

Judge Sheehan imposed a seven year sentence for the digital penetration sexual assault with the final six months suspended for rehabilitation to deal with his alcohol addiction.

The judge imposed a seven year jail term with the final six months suspended for the second sexual assault of licking her vagina.

A term of five years was handed down for false imprisonment and four years in jail for the assault causing harm, namely choking the victim. All sentences are to be served concurrently.

O’Donovan is to be placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

Speaking to the media after the verdicts were delivered, the victim said she was happy with the sentence and “I feel that justice has been served”.

Judge Sheehan said at a previous court sitting that nothing should be published that would identify the victim but the accused can be named.