Court Hears Victim Impact Statement in Sexual Assault Case

 A young woman, sexually assaulted at age 16 in a Dublin supermarket, delivered a powerful victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing of Jasmin Nasic, describing the profound and lasting effects of the incident. The assault, which occurred while she assisted her mother with grocery shopping, involved Nasic deliberately groping her as he passed by in an aisle.

Nasic, 36, of Hillcrest Grove, Lucan, Co Dublin, was convicted last month by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury on one count of sexual assault and one count of engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature. These offences carry maximum penalties of 14 years and two years, respectively.

In her statement, the complainant, now older, detailed the 1,375 days—over three years and nine months—between the assault and Nasic’s conviction. “I was an innocent young girl,” she said, noting that the incident shattered her sense of safety. She described the trial process, necessitated by Nasic’s not guilty plea, as a source of significant stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights. Particularly distressing, she said, was the requirement to disclose her counselling notes to the defence, a process she found “degrading.”

Judge Martina Baxter praised the young woman’s courage, calling her “a great example for other young women” after her statement.

Garda Jennifer Desmond, testifying for the prosecution, recounted the incident. The complainant noticed Nasic approaching her in an aisle but was shocked when he deliberately touched her buttock. She alerted her mother, who confronted Nasic after they encountered him again in the store. Nasic denied the allegation but fled before CCTV footage could be reviewed with security. He was later identified through the footage and arrested.

The court heard that Nasic, originally from Croatia and resident in Ireland since 2016, has no prior convictions. He has held various jobs, including administrative work at Trinity College and as a kitchen porter. Defence counsel Oisin Clarke BL stated that Nasic now accepts the jury’s verdict and expresses remorse. Clarke clarified that Nasic did not personally view the complainant’s counselling notes, which were accessed only by the legal team and not used in the trial. Testimonials from Nasic’s colleagues were submitted, highlighting his consistent employment and contributions to support his family in Croatia, where he fled due to a violent family dispute.

Clarke noted that Nasic’s registration as a sex offender will significantly impact his employment and travel prospects. Judge Baxter ordered a Probation Services assessment to evaluate the risk of reoffending, emphasizing the complainant’s youth and bravery.

The case underscores the enduring impact of sexual assault on victims and the complexities of the legal process.