This article is from page 18 of the 2013-05-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A MOTHER has spoken of the “nightmare” she endured when she was sexually assaulted by a man in her home two years ago.
The woman says her life was a “complete” daze following the assault that occurred in mid-Clare in December 2011.
The man assaulted the woman as she slept in bed with her then partner following a night out.
In he victim impact statement read out at Ennis Circuit Court last week, the woman recalled feeling “terrified” at the time of the assault.
She said she does not remember her daughter’s first Christmas, adding that such a special occasion was “stolen” from her because of the assault.
She said the incident has had major impact on her life.
The mother of one said she suffers from “night terrors” and frequent “panic attacks.”
She explained that she checks several times to make sure all doors and windows are locked at night.
She added, “I am a nervous wreck, a victim. This is not who I want to be. This is not who I was.”
“One person’s evil action can change an innocent person’s life forever,” she said.
The woman thanked her family and counsellor for the support provided. The court heard she has not returned to work since the assault.
A 32-year-old Polish man pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court in September.
Last week the court heard the man entered the bed and twice digitally penetrated the woman.
Detective Sergeant Kevin O’Hagan told the court that the woman was scared the man would become aggressive so she woke up her partner discreetly.
The woman ran out of the house and rang the gardaí, the court heard.
The court heard the man has five previous convictions, none for sexual offences.
Defense Counsel Elaine Houlihan told the court that her client had a lot to drink on the night and has restrained from drinking alcohol since.
Ms Houlihan said the man is “extremely remorseful” for what happened.
She added, “He has accepted responsibility for this monumental misjudgment of error.”
Judge Caroll Moran said, “This is a serious case, a difficult case.”
He adjourned sentencing until June 24. Reporting restrictions were place on the case.