DANIEL EDWARDS BALBRIGGAN SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DUBLIN CIRCUIT COURT

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Daniel Edwards, a 19-year-old resident of Clonuske View in Balbriggan, was found guilty of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred in May 2012, involved Edwards approaching the young girl, who was cycling past a shop, and engaging in inappropriate behavior that included squeezing her bottom and making lewd comments.

The young victim, who is now 13 years old, was able to identify Edwards in a police line-up, which led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings. It was revealed during the trial that Edwards had a prior conviction for a similar offence dating back to 2008, for which he had received a two-year suspended sentence. This history underscored concerns about his pattern of behavior and the potential risk he posed.

Prosecutor Cormac Quinn BL detailed the events to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, emphasizing the impact on the victim and her family. The court was told that Edwards was sitting on a wall outside a shop when he noticed the girl cycling by. He then followed her and approached her with a proposition, asking, “Do you want to earn a fiver?” The girl responded with a firm “Go away,” but Edwards persisted. He proceeded to squeeze her bottom and made a comment calling her “sexy,” before chasing her when she tried to escape. The girl managed to find refuge in a friend’s house, seeking safety from the distress caused by Edwards’ actions.

The court heard that the girl has been receiving counseling to cope with the trauma of the assault and will continue to do so on a weekly basis. Her family’s presence in court underscored the seriousness of the case and the lasting impact on her well-being.

Defense counsel Isobel Kennedy SC argued that Edwards has shown remorse and has taken steps toward rehabilitation. She noted that he has completed his Leaving Cert and is now applying to colleges to study creative media courses. Kennedy highlighted that Edwards has not been involved in any trouble since the incident and has been fully compliant with probation conditions, including daily sign-ins and participation in a Northside Inter Agency Project, where he is reportedly making “enormous progress.”

Kennedy also emphasized that Edwards experiences “shame and guilt” over his actions and has accepted full responsibility. She described his efforts to rehabilitate himself as ongoing, acknowledging that recovery from such behavior is a continuous process.

Judge Patricia Ryan acknowledged the gravity of the offense and the profound effect it had on the victim. She stressed that Edwards must adhere to strict conditions, including a prohibition from approaching the victim or her family, as outlined in the victim impact statement. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Edwards to a three-year term of imprisonment, suspended on the condition that he comply with the imposed restrictions and conditions, reflecting the court’s attempt to balance justice with the potential for rehabilitation.