Student who allegedly sexually assaulted performer has case adjourned

By Brendan Grehan

A STUDENT who allegedly sexually assaulted a performer at the Longitude festival by grabbing her buttock and whispering “give me your tits” in her ear, had his case further adjourned for hearing by Tallaght Court.

The case against David Poff was due to be heard last week and Poff appeared in court with his parents and a number of friends.

The alleged victim was also in the precincts of the court during the day and was accompanied by Ms Noelle Fitzsimons from Court Support Services.

Poff, aged 20, with an address at Mayfield, Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, had pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a female at Marlay Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, on July 16, 2016.

He had also pleaded not guilty to public drunkenness and breaching the peace at Marlay Park also on July 16 last.
The case was due to take two hours to hear.

The court had heard it will be alleged that the victim was a performer at the Longitude Festival in Marlay Park.

The victim was walking from the wooded area in the festival at 8pm on July 16 last when Poff allegedly approached her from behind and grabbed her buttock.

It will be alleged that Poff stood quite close to the woman and whispered “give me your tits” in her ear.

The victim was quite upset and informed a security guard who contacted the gardai. The victim allegedly later pointed Poff out to the gardai.

Poff was allegedly very drunk and was arrested.

The case was first called at 12.40pm and there was still a number of cases left for hearing.

When the case was called again, Poff’s solicitor, Tom Honan, said his client had lost his job since he had first been before the court and he wanted the matter dealt with.

Judge McNamara said that the next available hearing date was in September.

Mr Honan said his client wanted the matter dealt with so he could get back to work.

The case went to third calling and Judge McNamara said that it was a serious case but that the accused was entitled to the presumption of innocence and added that she had to take into account the position of the alleged victim.

Judge McNamara said that a special hearing date could be set for a Wednesday in June when the court does not normally sit. She adjourned the case to that date for hearing.