THEODORE MCGIVERN FROM COUNTY WICKLOW INVOLVED IN SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CASE IN DUBLIN

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Theodore McGivern, a 27-year-old man from County Wicklow, has been involved in a serious incident of sexual exploitation involving a teenage girl. The incident took place in Dublin, where McGivern met the young girl and engaged in inappropriate and illegal conduct that has now led to court proceedings.

McGivern, residing at Grove Meadow, Ballinahinch Lower, Newtownmountkennedy, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last Thursday to face charges related to his conduct. He pleaded guilty to meeting a minor for the purpose of sexual exploitation on June 13, 2013, at a location in Dublin. Additionally, he admitted to sending an indecent message via telephone during the period between June 8 and June 13, 2013.

The court was informed that McGivern had sent a photograph of his erect penis to a 15-year-old girl shortly after they had met in Dublin City Centre. It was revealed that he was aware of her age at the time, as he had contacted her after her Junior Certificate exams to inquire about her results. The victim later recounted to Gardaí that she had invited McGivern into her home, where they went to her bedroom. During this encounter, he touched her in various areas of her body, but ceased when she told him to stop.

Defense counsel Garnet Orange SC explained that forensic psychological assessments had identified McGivern as an 'anxious, immature, and psychologically vulnerable man.' The assessments indicated that he struggled with social communication and was experiencing suicidal ideation. Further evaluations suggested that McGivern exhibited high impulsivity and difficulty resisting temptation, traits often associated with autistic spectrum disorder. The reports also noted that he had a significant number of traits linked to autism and was psychologically fragile, with an active fantasy life.

The victim, who was standing outside a shop on Dame Street with a friend, first encountered McGivern when he made a comment about her appearance, saying she had a 'nice ass.' He then went into a shop and purchased alcohol for the underage girls. During this initial meeting, McGivern claimed to be 25 years old, while the girl stated she was 15 and her friend was 16. He made a sexual remark to the younger girl at one point. The following day, McGivern met the girl again, kissed her, and later 'friended' her on Facebook. He also called her after one of her exams and sent her a picture of his face.

Subsequent meetings included another kiss outside her college and a phone call during which he expressed his desire to kiss her all over her body, claiming he was aroused and wanted to have sexual relations. The girl, feeling embarrassed, held the phone away from her, but shortly after, McGivern sent her a picture of his penis. Two days later, she invited him to her house, where they kissed again. He then suggested they go to her bedroom, where he touched her breast and bottom.

Judge Martin Nolan commented on the case, noting that the medical reports suggested McGivern might be on the autism spectrum. The judge described his behavior as 'deeply inappropriate' but expressed the view that McGivern was not a danger to society. He acknowledged that McGivern's actions led to his detection, which provided some reassurance that he was not inherently malicious. The court sentenced McGivern to two and a half years in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years. The judge also ordered that McGivern have no contact with the girl and undergo two years of probation supervision.

Garda Sharon O’Donogue observed that McGivern appeared to be somewhat of a loner and lacked maturity. During the hearing, defense counsel Mr. Orange emphasized that this was a disturbing case but clarified that McGivern had not used a false identity or engaged in grooming behavior. He stated that his client was transparent about his age and identity, making him traceable. Initially, McGivern told Gardaí he believed the girl was 17, but he later admitted that this was unlikely given her sitting her Junior Cert. The defense argued that the girls may have appeared more mature than their actual age, and that McGivern’s own immaturity was a factor in the incident. The case was contextualized within a broader social setting where groups of young people, including skateboarding and hanging around in central Dublin areas like the Central Bank and St Stephen’s Green, often interacted.