Athlone sexual assault incident read mod warning in OP before posting

30-09-2013 6:23pm #1

The previous thread discussing this issue was closed due to continuous baiting and speculation.

We understand it's a big story and should have a thread of its own so please try and stick to the facts and post within the rules below to avoid mod action.

There will be a zero tolerance policy on the following:

Any speculation of either the alleged victims or attacker
Calls to commit harm to the alleged perpetrator
Victim blaming of any sort

Usual AH charter applies. Keep it civil. Report any posts which cross the line.

If any charges are brought before the courts, this thread will need to be locked again as we are not allowed to discuss ongoing cases.

Current RTE story here.

One man is still being questioned at Athlone Garda Station following a serious sexual assault on two young girls in the town.
Two other men who were being questioned have been released without charge.
A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The girls, aged six and nine, were hospitalised after the incident and are expected to be interviewed by gardaí in the coming days.
Officers are using the services of a specialist interviewer to try to ascertain what happened to the two children on Saturday afternoon.
The girls were outside a house at a birthday party in a busy residential area at 4pm when they were asked to accompany a man they did not know to another building nearby.
After being lured inside, they were detained in a room where they were seriously assaulted.
The alarm was raised when they returned to the party a short time later.

expectationlost · 30-09-2013 6:26pm

why are the signs saying protect children not criminals?

are they being overly protective of the alleged perpetrators in some way?

Menas · 30-09-2013 6:26pm

So what is the latest here? He is due to be charged at 7pm?

Hootanany · 30-09-2013 6:28pm

Why was the other two released.

GT_TDI_150 · 30-09-2013 6:28pm

Trigger Happy wrote: »

So what is the latest here? He is due to be charged at 7pm?

Allegedly so

Nodin · 30-09-2013 6:28pm

Hootanany wrote: »

Why was the other two released.

....because they just happened to be in the house,

Lenin Skynard · 30-09-2013 6:30pm

I think the news said he has to be released by 7pm if he's not charged. I've passed the station a good few times today though and there's a huge angry mob outside so I doubt they'll let him go anywhere.

GT_TDI_150 · 30-09-2013 6:31pm

Hootanany wrote: »

Why was the other two released.

Probably because they had no involvement in what happened, just lived in same building or something like that but thats just me speculating

danniemcq · 30-09-2013 6:31pm

Hootanany wrote: »

Why was the other two released.

Breakingnews.ie wrote:

Two other men arrested at the scene, a housing estate on the outskirts of the town, were earlier released without charge.

I suspect that just like in the Ariel Castro case they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

zl1whqvjs75cdy · 30-09-2013 6:33pm

The other two, I think, went to the house to confront the alleged perpetrator and a public order incident broke out. I think the other two were arrested for that. That's what I got off newstalk's coverage this morning anyway.

Clandestine · 30-09-2013 6:36pm

People should let the police and justice system do their work. These calls for "bring back the death penalty" etc. are ridiculous. Anyone is free to be upset about this but let the professionals do their job and don't jump to any conclusions without knowing the facts.

I am pie · 30-09-2013 6:38pm

They will have to helicopter the accused out of Athlone by the looks of it.

Hootanany · 30-09-2013 6:39pm

Why did the indo say the young girls travelled to the party.

keith16 · 30-09-2013 6:41pm

Clandestine wrote: »

People should let the police and justice system do their work. These calls for "bring back the death penalty" etc. are ridiculous. Anyone is free to be upset about this but let the professionals do their job and don't jump to any conclusions without knowing the facts.

The professionals can do their job all they like, (and they do a very good job) but expect the courts to make a mockery of their efforts when this case is presented to a judge.

I hope I'm wrong.

Creasy_bear · 30-09-2013 6:42pm

Hootanany wrote: »

Why did the indo say the young girls travelled to the party.

I think they travelled from other parts of the country.

My name is URL · 30-09-2013 6:43pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3gDOtCM9Fc

Those fcuking idiots should piss off home and allow Gardai to do their job. Standing around in groups and having a laugh is hardly 'showing support for the families'

simonsays1 · 30-09-2013 6:52pm

The laughing made me feel sick when I saw this earlier. Not appropriate.

Sir Humphrey Appleby · 30-09-2013 6:53pm

Hootanany wrote: »

Why was the other two released.

presumably because they had no part in what happened:rolleyes:

Sir Humphrey Appleby · 30-09-2013 6:55pm

keith16 wrote: »

The professionals can do their job all they like, (and they do a very good job) but expect the courts to make a mockery of their efforts when this case is presented to a judge.

I hope I'm wrong.

We will have to wait and see, but I have more faith in the courts that I have in a lynch mob!

tayto lover · 30-09-2013 6:59pm

The big tough man in me gave way yesterday and I shed tears for the first time in many years for those poor wee kids. They had their innocence and trust mauled away from them in a shocking manner by someone who is not deserving of the term human being.

30-09-2013 6:59pm

Can the guards not get an extension on questioning time? I thought you could, for serious cases.

Bobeagleburger · 30-09-2013 7:02pm

Has it being reported how the girls got out of the house?

spank_inferno · 30-09-2013 7:02pm

tayto lover wrote: »

The big tough man in me gave way yesterday and I shed tears for the first time in many years for those poor wee kids. They had their innocence and trust mauled away from them in a shocking manner by someone who is not deserving of the term human being.

Really?

Hardly the first time somethin like this has happened.

Have such details of the assault been released?

PhlegmyMoses · 30-09-2013 7:05pm

tayto lover wrote: »

The big tough man in me gave way yesterday and I shed tears for the first time in many years for those poor wee kids. They had their innocence and trust mauled away from them in a shocking manner by someone who is not deserving of the term human being.

Those tears were probably tears of pain when the big tough man in you came out of you.

dukedalton · 30-09-2013 7:06pm

tayto lover wrote: »

The big tough man in me gave way yesterday and I shed tears for the first time in many years for those poor wee kids. They had their innocence and trust mauled away from them in a shocking manner by someone who is not deserving of the term human being.

I'll put the tin hat on before I say this...

What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Nobody has even been charged, let alone convicted, of anything, yet we have a 300-strong mob outside the courthouse, and people baying for blood? Of course allegations as horrific as these can excite passions in people, but I think it would be wise for people to remember there have been cases in the past where people have been accused of all sorts, the public bays for blood, and it turns out the allegations were completely unproven.

Skuxx · 30-09-2013 7:06pm

Saw people sharing pictures and name of the suspect on facebook! As terrible as the situation is, I can't understand people linking the picture of an innocent man to this case until they are proven guilty in court! Disgraceful behavior!

mikom · 30-09-2013 7:08pm

tayto lover wrote: »

The big tough man in me gave way yesterday and I shed tears for the first time in many years for those poor wee kids. They had their innocence and trust mauled away from them in a shocking manner by someone who is not deserving of the term human being.

Were you drinking?

Lisha · 30-09-2013 7:11pm

tayto lover wrote: »

The big tough man in me gave way yesterday and I shed tears for the first time in many years for those poor wee kids. They had their innocence and trust mauled away from them in a shocking manner by someone who is not deserving of the term human being.

I was driving home from work today listening to Matt Cooper. A journalist on the case described how the father of one of the girls had to be held back from the 'alleged' abuser, shouting 'what did you do to my baby'

I cried.

Those parents, children, friends of the family and all involved are now in a horrific nightmare.
There are no words they will ever ease their pain.

While I dont think it's the best way of going about it, but the mob gathered are trying to show solidarity with the victims and also to let the system show that this man should be punished in the harshest way.

I truly hope that justice is done but really that abuser should never rejoin society.

I hope the families get all the help they need for a long time to come to help them best cope with this tradgedy,

Their sense of peace had been robbed from them but mob justice is not the answer.

30-09-2013 7:13pm

dukedalton wrote: »

I'll put the tin hat on before I say this...

What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Nobody has even been charged, let alone convicted, of anything, yet we have a 300-strong mob outside the courthouse, and people baying for blood? Of course allegations as horrific as these can excite passions in people, but I think it would be wise for people to remember there have been cases in the past where people have been accused of all sorts, the public bays for blood, and it turns out the allegations were completely unproven.

But children were found in a total strangers house with signs of having been sexually assaulted. I'm all on for letting justice prevail but of course parents and even non parents are going to be somewhat moved by what has happened these kids.

Zamboni · 30-09-2013 7:14pm

Lisha wrote: »

While I dont think it's the best way of going about it, but the mob gathered are trying to show solidarity with the victims and also to let the system show that this man should be punished in the harshest way.

I truly hope that justice is done but really that abuser should never rejoin society.

I'm just catching up on this story.
Guilty verdict then yeah?
Damn that was a quick prosecution.

30-09-2013 7:17pm

Skuxx wrote: »

Saw people sharing pictures and name of the suspect on facebook! As terrible as the situation is, I can't understand people linking the picture of an innocent man to this case until they are proven guilty in court! Disgraceful behavior!

Yes, id agree they should avoid all that and we have to put our faith in the justice system in this scenario. If too much hysteria is generated you would fear it could give the defence a 'trial by media' argument.

dukedalton · 30-09-2013 7:20pm

Deleted User wrote: »

But children were found in a total strangers house with signs of having been sexually assaulted. I'm all on for letting justice prevail but of course parents and even non parents are going to be somewhat moved by what has happened these kids.

By what has allegedly happened. Neither you nor me know the circumstances of what happened. Past cases, especially in the UK, should inform us to be cautious about making presumptions about who did what and where. If this person is tried and convicted, I hope he/she rots in hell. But until there is a conviction it is dangerous for people to be making assumptions.

30-09-2013 7:20pm

Zamboni wrote: »

I'm just catching up on this story.
Guilty verdict then yeah?
Damn that was a quick prosecution.

No verdict yet but the children were found having been sexually abused. The accused deserves his fair trial but the perpetrator if found guilty, should pay for this and there is a perpetrator in this

Pompey Magnus · 30-09-2013 7:21pm

dukedalton wrote: »

I'll put the tin hat on before I say this...

What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Nobody has even been charged, let alone convicted, of anything, yet we have a 300-strong mob outside the courthouse, and people baying for blood? Of course allegations as horrific as these can excite passions in people, but I think it would be wise for people to remember there have been cases in the past where people have been accused of all sorts, the public bays for blood, and it turns out the allegations were completely unproven.

If they had had their way all three men would have been hanged, drawn and quartered before they even made it to the Garda Station. Those gobsh*tes in the mob should be brought to the nearest cinema and made watch the Danish film "The Hunt", they might actually learn something (although I'm guessing for most of them subtitles might be too much for them).

veryangryman · 30-09-2013 7:21pm

This is a quick message to say thanks to the mods for letting sense prevail and letting the thread run.

veryangryman · 30-09-2013 7:23pm

Pompey Magnus wrote: »

If they had had their way all three men would have been hanged, drawn and quartered before they even made it to the Garda Station. Those gobsh*tes in the mob should be brought to the nearest cinema and made watch the Danish film "The Hunt", they might actually learn something (although I'm guessing for most of them subtitles might be too much for them).

Thanks dude. By the way you dropped your Monacle there.

30-09-2013 7:26pm

dukedalton wrote: »

By what has allegedly happened. Neither you nor me know the circumstances of what happened. Past cases, especially in the UK, should inform us to be cautious about making presumptions about who did what and where. If this person is tried and convicted, I hope he/she rots in hell. But until there is a conviction it is dangerous for people to be making assumptions.

Yeah I would agree. This is different from the Michael le Vell case though in that there was signs of sexual assault. Who the actual perpetrator is is still unclear at this stage of the investigation but it would certainly seem that a crime was committed.

cletus van damme · 30-09-2013 7:28pm

Pompey Magnus wrote: »

If they had had their way all three men would have been hanged, drawn and quartered before they even made it to the Garda Station. Those gobsh*tes in the mob should be brought to the nearest cinema and made watch the Danish film "The Hunt", they might actually learn something (although I'm guessing for most of them subtitles might be too much for them).

considering it is being reported that 2 of the men were connected to the victims and looking to "deal" with the accused man it is likely unlikely the mob would attack them. In fact I'll go so far as to say the mob might actually have encouraged them

But don't let the facts get in the way of a good rant and false accusations about people you have never met

the groutch · 30-09-2013 7:31pm

I don't really get why the massive protests?
It seems to be "rabble rabble.....child safety.....rabble rabble", but is it not the job of parents to ensure their own children's safety?

Bobeagleburger · 30-09-2013 7:31pm

veryangryman wrote: »

Thanks dude. By the way you dropped your Monacle there.

Why the lack of anger?

StinkyMunkey · 30-09-2013 7:31pm

I'm gonna take a huge leap and assume there was actual signs of sexual assault on the poor childern, hence why a person was arrested and not released without charge after some innocent misunderstanding.

I love the fact that so many people are more concerned about the "alleged" perpetrators rights than the life changing hell inflicted on these 2 poor childern.

I'm also guessing the family or Guards would appeal for calm if the case was not clear cut and dry. I don't need a court of law to tell me the sun is gonna rise in the morning, not every court case is clear cut and dry, but some have to go through the process of convicting because its due process.

On the huge assumption that this guy is guilty, I hope he is convicted, serves time, is then released and taken to an isolated area and made dig his own shallow grave.

If I'm wrong he will be released and publicaly exonerated.

dukedalton · 30-09-2013 7:32pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah I would agree. This is different from the Michael le Vell case though in that there was signs of sexual assault. Who the actual perpetrator is is still unclear at this stage of the investigation but it would certainly seem that a crime was committed.

But how do we know there are signs of sexual assault? If there are, how do we know when or how they were inflicted? Or by whom? We don't know the answers to any of these questions. And we won't, until/unless there is a charge and a conviction.

dukedalton · 30-09-2013 7:33pm

StinkyMunkey wrote: »

I'm gonna take a huge leap and assume there was actual signs of sexual assault on the poor childern, hence why a person was arrested and not released without charge after some innocent misunderstanding.

I love the fact that so many people are more concerned about the "alleged" perpetrators rights than the life changing hell inflicted on these 2 poor childern.

I'm also guessing the family or Guards would appeal for calm if the case was not clear cut and dry. I don't need a court of law to tell me the sun is gonna rise in the morning, not every court case is clear cut and dry, but some have to go through the process of convicting because its due process.

On the huge assumption that this guy is guilty, I hope he is convicted, serves time, is then released and taken to an isolated area and made dig his own shallow grave.

If I'm wrong he will be released and publicaly exonerated.

Liam Lawlor. Karen Matthews.

Pompey Magnus · 30-09-2013 7:35pm

cletus van damme wrote: »

considering it is being reported that 2 of the men were connected to the victims and looking to "deal" with the accused man it is likely unlikely the mob would attack them. In fact I'll go so far as to say the mob might actually have encouraged them

But don't let the facts get in the way of a good rant and false accusations about people you have never met

Maybe have a look back at the previous thread to see what the Boards mob wanted done to all three, are you claiming the entire Athlone mob had full access to the details of the arrests from the very beginning?

Bobeagleburger · 30-09-2013 7:36pm

dukedalton wrote: »

But how do we know there are signs of sexual assault? If there are, how do we know when or how they were inflicted? Or by whom? We don't know the answers to any of these questions. And we won't, until/unless there is a charge and a conviction.

Don't you know you're dealing with experts in here?!!

mikom · 30-09-2013 7:37pm

dukedalton wrote: »

Liam Lawlor. Karen Matthews.

Suspects?

Lisha · 30-09-2013 7:37pm

the groutch wrote: »

I don't really get why the massive protests?
It seems to be "rabble rabble.....child safety.....rabble rabble", but is it not the job of parents to ensure their own children's safety?

By that token an adult should never walk the streets after dark 'cos if they get mugged it should be their own fault.

It's reasonable surely to think that kids should be able to play safely in their estate ?

So should we all stay indoors so we will be safe?

Bobeagleburger · 30-09-2013 7:38pm

Pompey Magnus wrote: »

Maybe have a look back at the previous thread to see what the Boards mob wanted done to all three, are you claiming the entire Athlone mob had full access to the details of the arrests from the very beginning?

You should read some other forums, actually don't. Naming people and saying what should be done to them, ridiculous.

I'd imagine it could also jeopardise a fair trail.

People lose the run of themselves behind a keyboard.

StinkyMunkey · 30-09-2013 7:39pm

dukedalton wrote: »

Liam Lawlor. Karen Matthews.

Britney Spears, Lindsay lohan.

30-09-2013 7:40pm

the groutch wrote: »

I don't really get why the massive protests?
It seems to be "rabble rabble.....child safety.....rabble rabble", but is it not the job of parents to ensure their own children's safety?

Deleted User wrote: »

There will be a zero tolerance policy on the following:
Victim blaming of any sort

Mod

the groutch, do not post in this thread again

spank_inferno · 30-09-2013 7:41pm

Why does refraining from judgement or awaiting due process side you with criminals?

Athlone sexual assault incident *read mod warning in OP before posting*

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Athlone sexual assault incident read mod warning in OP before posting