Woman jailed for conducting 'humiliating internal search' on another woman

Eimar Dodd

A woman who subjected another woman to a “humiliating internal search” following a row about drugs has been jailed for three years.

Winifred Joyce, 30, with an address at Parliament Street, Dublin 2, pleaded guilty to common assault and sexual assault in November 2022.

Judge Orla Crowe on Friday handed Joyce a sentence of three years and six months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.

Judge Crowe said Joyce subjected the victim to a “humiliating internal search”, which was “inexcusable”. She said this was a “brutal, humiliating attack” on the victim.

The judge said this was a “very serious matter”, adding that the case had its origins in drug addiction.

Judge Crowe said the court noted that it is accepted by the prosecution that there was no sexual gratification involved in this case.

The court heard that Joyce has addiction issues, which she is making significant efforts to address, accepts responsibility for her actions and has expressed remorse. She also has a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Joyce has 62 previous convictions, including 29 for theft and one for assault causing harm.

Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of five years, which she reduced to three years and six months, taking account of the mitigation.

She suspended the final six months of the sentence and directed Joyce to engage with the Probation Service for 18 months post-release.

Other conditions include that Joyce continue to engage with mental health supports and addiction treatment services.

The court heard evidence that there was a row about drugs between Joyce and the victim at a Dublin city centre hostel on a date in November 2022.

Joyce grabbed the woman by her hair and pulled her down from the top bunk. She then forced the woman to crawl on her hands and knees to look for the drugs, striking her a few times.

Joyce sexually assaulted the woman by digitally penetrating her anus and vagina while looking for the drugs. The woman was also scratched internally by one of Joyce's nails.

The woman managed to leave the room and raise the alarm. She was scared afterwards and declined to go to a sexual assault treatment unit. No victim impact statement was provided to the court.

Joyce made admissions to gardaí in relation to assaulting the woman, but denied sexual assault.

The court heard that Joyce's partner died in tragic circumstances and that she has a history of addiction issues.

The probation report assessed Joyce at high risk of re-offending and stated that she has made progress in addressing her addiction issues. A positive governor's report, letter of apology and other certificates were handed to the court.

Joyce is from a Travelling background and has experienced homelessness.

The court was told that Joyce is abstaining from drugs while in custody and receiving support with her addiction issues.

Judge Crowe directed that Joyce should be given credit for any time served in custody on this matter alone.