An Estonian man has pleaded guilty during his trial at the Central Criminal Court to the sexual assault of one of his compatriots in Cork.
The accused was on trial for the rape of the woman while she slept after a night out. On hearing the victim’s evidence and following legal discussion, he entered a plea to the lesser charge of sexual assault and the state decided not to proceed with the rape charge.
He pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of the woman at her apartment in Cork on November 23, 2007. Mr Justice Barry White released him on bail until sentencing in June.
The judge thanked the jury of six men and six women for their time and attention even though they were not able to see the case through.