This article is from page 8 of the 2006-09-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
GARDAÍ have warned young women not to walk home alone late at night, after a woman in her 20s was set upon and attacked over the weekend.
The woman was walking home via Ard na Gréine – close to the Ennis/Limerick road – shortly before 2.30am on Saturday, when she was attacked.
A young man, believed to be in his 20s, who was standing in a laneway, came up behind her and pulled her to the ground. They both fell and the young woman, who was wearing runners, managed to escape.
Gardai say the motive was likely to have been a “sexual” one.
“The young woman’s attacker was wearing a hoodie and was of medium build. We are particularly interested in speaking to any taxi drivers who may have seen anyone in Ard na Gréine or Station Road on Friday night,” said Ennis Superintendent John Kerin.
Gardaí investigating the assault have examined CCTV footage in the area and are appealing to members of the public who may have noticed any suspicious activity to come forward.
“This is the first incident of its type in a long time. We are warning girls not to walk home alone late at night. Get a taxi or get a lift,” said Supt Kerin.
“We cannot say that the motive was robbery or sexual, but it was more likely to have been sexual. Thankfully the young woman managed to make good her escape,” he added.