A Galway farmer who sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman on a bus has been sentenced to two years in prison. The court heard how the man had taken advantage of the woman’s vulnerability and subjected her to a harrowing ordeal. The case has shone a spotlight on the important issue of sexual assault and the need for society to protect its most vulnerable members. In this article, we will explore the details of the case and discuss the broader implications for the safety and protection of women.
Patrick O’Toole, a Galway farmer, was sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting a “vulnerable” woman on a Bus Éireann service between Moycullen and Maum Cross on August 6, 2019. O’Toole, who is 53 years old and resides in Glentrasna, Rosmuc, admitted to five charges, including sexual assault, attempting to commit sexual assault, and assault. Judge Brian O’Callaghan imposed a three and a half-year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended.
During the hearing at Galway Circuit Court, Judge O’Callaghan said O’Toole “invaded this woman’s privacy and dignity” and “couldn’t have cared less”. Garda Peter Naughton said the woman was getting the bus after attending a pharmacy in Galway, when O’Toole, who was unknown to her, sat beside her and started to engage in talk of a “sexually suggestive manner”. He offered the woman vodka, grabbed her left thigh, rubbed his shoulders against her, and repeatedly said, “I know you want me to come home with you.”
O’Toole then placed his hand “forcefully” on the woman’s breast and licked the side of her face. The court heard some of the offending behaviour took place while the woman was on the phone, and at no point did she give O’Toole permission to do this. CCTV footage captured O’Toole getting on the bus, and a woman who met the victim after the assault said she was clearly “distressed and disorientated.”
In her victim impact statement, the woman stated that she did not know how to put into words the impact the assault has had on her life. She said she does not think the accused realises the effect the incident has had on her and her family. “I’m sad, lonely and hurting. I don’t understand how someone thinks it is okay to do this to someone”, she added. She continued, “I have lost so much because of this man”.
Gda Naughton told the court that O’Toole has a total of 18 convictions, nine before the assault on the bus and nine since, including public order offences and assault causing harm. The garda said that when sober, O’Toole is a hardworking farmer but becomes “troublesome” when he consumes alcohol.
Defence barrister Bernard Madden SC told the court that his client is a “serious chronic alcoholic” who must show a desire to help himself. He said while O’Toole does some farming, he is largely unemployed. Counsel said it was a difficult case with regards to sentence.
Judge O’Callaghan told O’Toole that it was clear that the harm done to the victim – “a vulnerable person” – is serious. He said the accused’s “level of moral culpability is high”. The judge said the accused was not drunk, as the court is entitled to infer that if he was, the bus driver would not have let him on the bus. He said the aggravating factors included the prolonged contact, the nature of the contact, the vulnerability of the victim, and the consequences of the assault. He said the accused’s guilty plea is important.
“ It is the one good thing you have done Mr O’Toole, is plead guilty”, the judge said. Judge O’Callaghan imposed a three and half year sentence on one “primary” count of sexual assault and took the remaining counts into consideration. He suspended the final 18 months.
In conclusion, the victim’s statement indicates the severe emotional and physical impact of sexual assault, while O’Toole’s previous criminal history demonstrates an ongoing pattern of dangerous behaviour. Judge O’Callaghan’s decision to impose a significant sentence while suspending a portion of the term highlights the severity of the crime and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. Sexual violence is a serious issue and must be met with appropriate consequences.
