JIBOLA MOSES AKANNI SENTENCED IN DUBLIN FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER

A man named Jibola Moses Akanni has been handed down a significant prison sentence of eight and a half years following his conviction for the heinous crime involving a teenage girl in Dublin. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, where it was established that Akanni, aged 27 and residing on St Laurence Drive in Drogheda, Co Louth, was found guilty of multiple serious charges, including two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. These offenses took place at an apartment located on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin 1 on the 15th of February, 2018.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Akanni has a lengthy criminal history, with 28 previous convictions across Ireland and the United Kingdom. His past offenses span a range of crimes, including road traffic violations, theft, public order disturbances, and handling stolen property. This extensive record was considered during sentencing, highlighting a pattern of criminal behavior.

In delivering his judgment, Judge David Keane praised the victim for her conduct throughout the trial, acknowledging her bravery in coming forward and giving testimony. The judge also expressed his sincere wishes for her future well-being, emphasizing the importance of her resilience.

The court detailed the circumstances surrounding the assault, which was aggravated by the victim’s intoxication, her vulnerable state, and the significant age difference between her and Akanni. The incident involved Akanni inviting the underage girl, who had been refused entry to a concert due to her age, to his apartment. Once there, he provided her with alcohol, which contributed to her impaired state. The assault was described as a prolonged ordeal, during which the girl was barely conscious. Court documents detailed how Akanni engaged in sexual acts with her, including placing his penis in her mouth, while she was in a highly vulnerable condition.

Following the assault, the victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. Law enforcement officials identified Akanni through CCTV footage and evidence of his accommodation. Despite multiple interviews, he did not make any incriminating statements, which was noted during the trial.

Akanni’s defense lawyer pointed out that he has no prior convictions for similar offenses and emphasized that he had come to Ireland as a child. The court acknowledged these points but clarified that the crime did not involve violence or threats. Nonetheless, the court was critical of Akanni’s lack of remorse and his refusal to accept the jury’s verdict. The judge underscored that there is little hope for rehabilitation in his case, but he ordered that Akanni be placed under supervision for two years after his release to mitigate the risk of reoffending.

In sentencing, Akanni received a headline sentence of nine years for each of the rape charges and four years for sexual assault. All sentences are to run concurrently and are backdated to his time in custody starting in November. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crime and the need to protect the community from future harm.