A DELIVERY driver who sexually assaulted a woman in her home has received an 18 month prison sentence suspended for three years.
Conan Russell (26), of Westland Gardens, Crossgar, Co Down, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault on dates between May 11 and May 14, 2014.
Downpatrick Crown Court was told that Russell went on trial in October 2020 on charges of rape and sexual assault but a jury failed to reach a verdict on either count.
In March, a retrial was to start and a jury was sworn in but not put in charge of the case.
Russell applied to be re-arraigned and pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault.
Judge Geoffrey Miller noted that the "vulnerable'' victim said in her statement that she mistakenly believed that she was at fault for what happened.
"I wish to make it abundantly clear that there is only one person who bears any blame, responsibility or culpability and that is you Conan Russell,'' he said.
He added that he hoped his guilty plea would lay to rest any doubts the victim had about the attack.
Judge Miller placed Russell on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and made him the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.