Student allegedly sexually assaulted performer

By Brendan Grehan

A STUDENT allegedly sexually assaulted a performer at last July’s Longitude Festival in Marlay Park, Tallaght Court has heard.

David Poff allegedly grabbed the woman by the buttock and whispered “give me your tits” in her ear.

Poff, aged 20, with an address at Mayfield, Lower Kilmacud Road, Stllorgan, is charged with sexually assaulting a female at Marlay Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, on July 16, 2016.

He is also charged with public drunkenness and breaching the peace at Marlay Park also on July 16 last.

Sergeant Eithne Madden told Judge Patricia McNamara that the DPP had directed summary disposal.

The case went to second calling.

When the case was recalled, Judge McNamara asked what was alleged.

Sgt Madden said it will be alleged that the injured party was a performer at the Longitude Festival in Marlay Park on July 16 last.

She said it will be alleged that the injured party was walking from the wooded area in the festival at 8pm on the above date when Poff approached her from behind and grabbed her buttock.

Sgt Madden said it will be alleged that Poff was standing quite close to the woman and whispered “give me your tits” in her ear. 

She said it will be alleged the injured party was quite upset and informed a security guard who contacted the gardai.

Sgt Madden said the injured party later pointed Poff out to the gardai. She said Poff was allegedly very drunk and was arrested.

Judge McNamara said she would have to hear a statement from the injured party before considering jurisdiction.

Poff’s solicitor, Padraig O’Donovan, said his client was a student and had exams at the end of the month. Poff was granted free legal aid.

Judge McNamara remanded him on continuing bail for four weeks to consider jurisdiction.