Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 20891Sexual assault · Co. Limerick

Man sentenced for sexually assaulting sleeping girlfriend at Limerick apartment

Colan Eardley, 33, of Limerick city, pleaded guilty at Limerick Courthouse to three counts of sexual assault on Nicola Connery, his girlfriend of three years, who was 21 when the offences occurred in late 2017 or early 2018 at Castlecourt apartments, Clancy Strand. Ms Connery complained to gardaí at Henry Street garda station in March 2018, and Eardley was arrested in April 2018. On 31 May 2023 Judge Tom O'Donnell imposed a fully suspended two-year sentence, and the victim's mother said she did not agree with the judge.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced31 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Colan Eardley pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on Nicola Connery.
Where
The couple lived at Castlecourt apartments, Clancy Strand, Limerick.
When
The offences occurred in late 2017 or early 2018, when the victim was 21.
Cause
The victim was asleep during the assaults, which was the main aggravating factor.
Other details
  • The two had been in a relationship for three years before the offences.
  • When sentencing, the judge said "No means no".
  • The victim's mother said she did not agree with the judge.
  • Nicola Connery waived her anonymity.
Investigation
  • The victim complained to gardaí at Henry Street garda station in March 2018.
  • Eardley was arrested in April 2018.
In court
The guilty plea spared a trial.
Sentence
Judge Tom O'Donnell imposed a fully suspended two-year sentence on Eardley on 31 May 2023.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatColan Eardley pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on Nicola Connery. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whereThe couple were living at Castlecourt apartments, Clancy Strand. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe offences occurred in late 2017 or early 2018, when the victim was 21. (limerickleader.ie)
  • causeThe victim was asleep during the assaults, which was the main aggravating factor. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationThe victim made a complaint to gardaí at Henry Street garda station in March 2018. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationEardley was arrested in April 2018. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe guilty plea spared a trial. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a fully suspended two-year sentence on Eardley. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe two had been in a relationship for three years before the offences. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe victim's mother said she did not agree with the judge. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 31 May2023
    Sentencedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Girlfriend was sexually assaulted as she slept at Limerick apartment

    Sentencing report: guilty plea to three counts of sexual assault on a sleeping woman in late 2017 or early 2018, with a fully suspended two-year sentence, judge's comments on consent, and the victim's mother's reaction.

    convicted, Colan Eardley, 33, male, named, irish (judged from name)Colan Eardleyvictim, Nicola Connery, 21, female, irish (judged from name)Nicola Connery