DUBLIN MAN (63) SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR LANEWAY SEXUAL ASSAULT OF TEENAGER
A 63-year-old man known as Ronaldo Otto, also identified as Samantha Otto, from Grosvenor Square, Rathmines, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old in a Dublin laneway on October 26th, 2022.The assault involved Otto "almost immediately cupping his penis" through the victim's trousers after being beckoned by a passerby.The victim, who was wearing headphones and listening to music at the time, attempted to back away and declined Otto's offer of oral sex, filming part of the incident on his mobile phone.
The victim stated in his impact statement, "I was forever changed after that.
I’m 21.
I won’t get to be 18 again… and time waits for no one.
I’ll never get that time back." He expressed hope to "get closure and move on with my life" and thanked the Gardaí for their support during the trial.Garda Liam O’Meara testified that he was on duty at Rathmines Garda Station when the victim made the allegation.
The court learned that Otto was identified through CCTV footage from the lane, leading to his arrest.
Otto claimed the victim was the aggressor, but evidence was presented that contradicted this.
Otto has a previous conviction for assault causing harm from April 2019, where boiling water was thrown on a person who had rejected his advances.Otto has been transitioning into a female but the process was not complete, which created some difficulties for sentencing.
The court noted Otto's biological sex as male, his self-identification as female, and the absence of a gender recognition certificate.
His defense highlighted his background—originally from the Philippines, where he owned a salon, and his struggles with vocal cord issues that led to severe financial hardship and street work.
Otto has also been diagnosed with diabetes and has received psychological support from the National Gender Service.The court considered Otto's history, his acceptance of the jury's verdict, and the fact that he did not express remorse.
Judge Codd emphasized the victim's distress and the gravity of the sexual violation, which, although occurring over clothing, caused significant psychological harm.
Otto was placed on the Sexual Offenders’ Register and sentenced to three years in jail, taking into account his status as a transitioning individual and the previous conviction.
