A Dublin man has been sentenced to five years for the abduction and assault of a young American woman. Barry Fitzgerald (31), formerly of Wolverton Glen, Dalkey, and with an address at Martello Rd, Sandycove, was convicted of two charges of false imprisonment and one of assault causing harm on July 29th, 1999, to Ms Elizabeth Gallucci (30), from Boston.
Ms Gallucci, an ophthalmologist, who returned from the United States to give evidence at the trial in October, told the court she met Fitzgerald in a pub in Temple Bar and they went to a club together.
He offered her a lift home afterwards, but instead drove to his home in Dalkey. When Ms Gallucci became uncomfortable, he said they were going to his house for coffee.
Ms Gallucci told the court how, once in the house, Fitzgerald made a lunge for her breasts and held her in a bear hug. She said in evidence she wanted to get a taxi back to her hotel but he told her there would be none at that time. He said he would drive her, and she agreed because she felt she had no choice.
Fitzgerald then took an "insane" route through the Dublin mountains. He denied in evidence asking Ms Gallucci if she would like to be raped as he drove her on a suspicious route back to the city through the Dublin mountains. He claimed that he took that route to avoid Garda checkpoints as he was fearful of being caught drink-driving.
Several friends of Fitzgerald gave character testimonials which were unanimous in their praise of his honesty, trustworthiness and good manners. Mr David Hollywood, a business partner of Fitzgerald, told the court he was a "remarkably rare individual", someone you don't meet very often these days.
However, Mr Tony Gavin, Fitzgerald's closest friend, admitted Fitzgerald was a heavy drinker.
Judge Patrick McCartan said he had a totally different view of Fitzgerald and was not impressed by him by even one iota.
He said Fitzgerald was a devious and calculating person but luckily Ms Gallucci had great presence of mind throughout her ordeal which enabled her to escape when the opportunity arose.
Judge McCartan noted from the victim impact report that Ms Gallucci was seriously affected and said she would remember what happened for the rest of her life. The court was told Ms Gallucci was forced to take a pay-cut of $20,000 a year to be in a more secure environment.
The judge said Fitzgerald would find it difficult to continue with his life due to the press coverage, but he had some good friends who would give him support.