"Where is the justice?" - Waterford woman reveals ordeal with Gardaí 

A Waterford woman who was sexually assaulted is bringing to light her treatment by the justice system.

Sabrina Halligan was attacked by a man on the Poleberry walkway in Waterford City on March 30, 2023. The area had heavy CCTV presence.

During the attack, the man tied her scarf around her neck. She regained consciousness some time later, having suffered scrapes, bruises and a black eye.

The Gardaí brought her back to her home to take her clothing into evidence.

Sabrina was later taken by Gardaí to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), at University Hospital Waterford (UHW), where a rape kit was prepared.

At the time, Gardaí confirmed that they had arrested a man and released him without charge, and that a file was being prepared for the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions)

On Monday, May 6 2024, Sabrina was informed by Gardaí that her case will not be going forward for prosecution.

According to Sabrina, they did not explain why the case was not going forward, or why she could not access her rape kit.

This development has devastated Sabrina, and has compounded her struggles at recovering from the attack.

Sabrina told the Waterford News and Star: “I’ve had the worst year of my life. I’m just lost again, my body is scarred.”

Sabrina has asked Gardaí about the results of the rape kit and to receive its finding, but has received no answers.

“I’m entitled to know, its my body. I think its very, very unfair. They can’t even tell me “Where is the justice in the Irish justice system?” 

Her treatment by the authorities over the last year has severely affected her. She said: “I think they should be trained who to help someone going through a trauma.”

When asked why she is coming forward with her ordeal, Sabrina said: “I need to get my life back. I was always a happy, bubbly person.” 

For now, she is trying to rebuild her life but is haunted by her trauma: ”Its destroyed everything in my life. My only worry is that I don’t know this person, and he’s out there knowing he got away with what he done.”

A Garda spokesperson stated: "An investigation file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions who directed no prosecution. It is a personal decision for any complainant to further engage with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. An Garda Síochána has no role in any such interactions with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. An Garda Síochána does not comment in general, or on the specifics of any ongoing criminal investigations, as any comment from any party could breach the legitimate expectation of privacy of the injured party and potentially could impact on future conduct of any criminal prosecution."