ABDULLAH HAMOUD OF DUBLIN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING A MINOR

In July 2012, a Saudi Arabian language student living in Dublin was convicted of a sexual assault involving a 14-year-old boy. The incident occurred on July 14, 2011, when Abdullah Hamoud (23), residing on Aungier Street in Dublin city centre, masturbated beside the sleeping boy in his bedroom during a "weak moment." Hamoud pleaded guilty to the charge at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and has no prior criminal record.

Judge Martin Nolan described the incident as disturbing but noted that the offense was at the lower end of the sexual crime spectrum. He expressed belief that Hamoud was unlikely to re-offend, citing limited sexual education and acknowledging that although Hamoud did not intend to harm the boy, his actions were criminal. The judge sentenced Hamoud to 18 months in prison, though the sentence was suspended under strict conditions.

Garda Colin Noonan informed the court that Hamoud, who was known to the boy's family, entered the bedroom while the child was asleep. He stood in front of the bed and engaged in the act of masturbation. The boy woke up upon seeing Hamoud walking away and noticed semen on his bed sheets. Recognizing what had happened, the boy called Hamoud back, but he did not return. Later, when the boy asked Hamoud about the semen, he claimed he did not know what it was.

The boy then confided in his mother, leading to Hamoud's arrest. A DNA analysis of the semen on the bed confirmed it belonged to Hamoud. During police interviews, Hamoud expressed regret, stating he had "practised a secret act" in the boy’s room and described the incident as a "weak moment."

The prosecution's barrister, Cormac Quinn BL, was informed that Hamoud was cooperative and had not tried to prevent the boy from disclosing the incident. Defense counsel, John Gallagher BL, highlighted that Hamoud was a quiet individual who had been orphaned at a young age. Hamoud was uncertain about the fate of his parents but believed a car accident may have been involved.

Mr. Gallagher explained that Hamoud's upbringing was financially secure in Saudi Arabia, although he had spent time in various institutions due to limited family support. He received a scholarship funded by the Saudi government to attend a language school in Ireland to improve his English skills. While Hamoud had limited sexual education, he was aware that his conduct in the boy's room was wrong and believed the act was an isolated incident.

The defense presented a forensic psychologist’s report suggesting that Hamoud’s actions stemmed from emotional and sexual insecurity rather than malicious intent or predatory behavior, characterizing the incident as a moment of confusion and vulnerability.