Tears as jury give unanimous verdict in Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial

The jury in the Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty this Thursday afternoon.

The male defendant, who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, will be referred to as Mr A, who was 18 at the time.

The State alleged he exposed himself to a then 17-year-old girl at a Christmas party in December 2017. He was charged with intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature.

The foreperson of the jury of seven women and five delivered the unanimous verdict at 4.40pm after deliberating for over two hours.

Mr A wept openly with relief after the "not guilty" verdict was read out.

He told Limerick Live he was "emotional and massively relieved". He said outside Limerick Circuit Criminal Court that he has had this hanging over him for six years.

"I look forward to progressing with the rest of my life," he said.

Mr A was represented by Erin O’Hagan BL, appearing with Amy Nix BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan. 

Judge Dermot Sheehan, presiding, thanked the jury for their time and effort. He made an order exempting them from jury service for five years.