March 2017

Houghton Regis man avoids jail after ‘deplorable’ sexual assault of teen girl

A HOUGHTON Regis man who sexually assaulted a vulnerable 18-year-old girl was given a suspended jail sentence today.

Tyrone O’Donoghue, 34, who had been drinking, was told by a judge at Luton crown court that his conduct was ‘deplorable and shameful’.

Prosecutor Martin Mulgrew said O’Donoghue had kissed and molested the girl who became upset and raised the alarm.

The police were alerted and O’Donoghue was arrested. He made no comment to police questions.

In a victim personal statement, read to the court by her father, the girl said: “It has affected me a lot. I hate him for what he did to me.”

O’Donoghue of Douglas Crescent, Houghton Regis appeared for sentence having earlier pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the teenager on May 29 last year.

Daniel Darnbrough, defending, said he expressed remorse and apologised to the victim.

He said O’Donoghue was ‘clearly unwell’ a suffered from a ‘delusional disorder’.

Recorder Stephen Lennard told him: “Your conduct was deplorable and shameful. There is nothing the court can do to repair the damage you are responsible for.”

He passed a 9 month jail sentence suspended for 2 years.

O’Donoghue must carry out 60 days’ of a rehabilitation activity requirement and must register as a sex offender for 10 years.