Galway Teen on Trial for Alleged Rape and Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Girl
A teenager in Co Galway is currently on trial for the alleged sexual assault and abuse of a 13-year-old girl he had been dating. The accused, now 16, has pleaded not guilty to four charges involving oral sex and sexual assault. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury, began after the girl's mother contacted gardaí following a Snapchat message from her daughter on July 7th, 2023. The message stated that the accused had assaulted her. The girl also sent her mother photographs of bruising on her legs, which she claimed was caused by the accused pinching her. The incidents are alleged to have occurred in a Co Galway housing estate where both children lived with their families. The complainant was later examined at a sexual assault treatment unit, where medical professionals discovered bruising inside her vagina. In a video interview with gardaí, the girl described the accused repeatedly asking her for sex and the alleged assault occurring on a Tuesday. The accused, however, met with gardaí and admitted to seeing the complainant but denied any sexual interaction had taken place. The trial is ongoing, with the accused maintaining his not guilty plea. The court will continue to examine the evidence and testimonies to determine the outcome of this serious case.
