WILLIAM MCGLONE FROM BALLYFERMOT JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN DUBLIN CITY CENTRE

In a serious criminal case that unfolded in Dublin city centre, William McGlone, a 29-year-old man from Ballyfermot, was convicted and sentenced for his involvement in an attempted sexual assault involving a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place on April 14, 2009, during a period when the young girl was on her Easter holidays from school and was heavily intoxicated while socializing with her friends.

According to court proceedings, McGlone approached the girl while she was drinking with her friends in the city centre. After engaging her in conversation, he led her down a narrow laneway, where they were recorded on CCTV cameras engaging in sexual activity. The footage showed the two in a compromising situation, with McGlone attempting to have sex with the girl. However, he was unsuccessful in his attempt to consummate the act.

Following the incident, McGlone and the girl left the laneway area. The girl then returned to her friends, but later, Gardaí observed her in a distressed state, prompting an investigation. She later disclosed to authorities that she had informed McGlone of her age before they went down the laneway. Despite this, McGlone was identified on CCTV footage and was subsequently arrested shortly afterward on Grafton Street, a well-known thoroughfare in Dublin.

During police interviews, McGlone admitted to the gardaí that he was aware of the girl’s age but initially denied that she had told him. He claimed that he only realized she was underage after the incident. The girl, who did not appear in court to give evidence, chose not to complete a victim impact report. It was reported that she felt very embarrassed and regretted her involvement in the incident.

Judge Martin Nolan presided over the case and emphasized the seriousness of the offence, particularly given the significant age difference between the defendant and the victim. Recognizing the gravity of the crime, the judge sentenced McGlone to three years in prison but suspended all but 16 months of the sentence, allowing him to serve the remainder on probation. The court also heard that McGlone is a heroin addict and is currently undergoing treatment for his addiction. His defence counsel, Isobel Kennedy SC, highlighted that McGlone’s partner of eight years has decided to remain with him despite the incident, describing him as a vulnerable and nervous individual who exercised poor judgment on that day.

This case underscores the ongoing issues related to drug addiction, youth vulnerability, and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation and harm in urban environments like Dublin.