Dublin student left ‘terrified' by classmate who refused to leave her home, court hears
The intruder, Weijin Pu (23) maintained he was there to ask the woman about their studies, but Judge John Hughes rejected his explanation, saying it 'doesn't add up'
A student was left 'terrified' when a classmate turned up uninvited at her home, 'barged' in and refused to leave even when a garda arrived, a court has heard.
The intruder, Weijin Pu (23) maintained he was there to ask the woman about their studies, but Judge John Hughes rejected his explanation, saying it 'doesn't add up'.
The victim said she did not feel safe after the incident as she feared coming 'face to face' with Pu again.
Judge Hughes gave Pu a three-month suspended sentence, ordering him to have no contact with the victim for two years. He also fined him €500.
Pu, of Talbot Hall, Talbot Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to trespassing in a manner likely to cause fear.
Garda Aoife Moroney said Pu called to the woman's home in central Dublin at around midday on April 16 last year. Her roommate answered the door and Pu pushed past her, then failed to leave after being asked a number of times.
Gda Moroney arrived and identified herself but he continued to refuse to leave until a uniformed officer arrived. He had no previous convictions.
The court heard Pu and the victim had been in English college together.
She said in a victim-impact statement that she was 'terrified' and had not attended college for some time after the incident for fear of 'crossing paths' with Pu.
She no longer felt safe in her home, in college or on the streets of Dublin, as she feared she would bump into him.
Judge Hughes asked what the purpose of the visit was.
Defence barrister Lydia Daly said Pu had intended to 'ask her some questions about their studies'.
Pu had been in Ireland for a year and had worked as a kitchen porter but was not currently in employment. He had been on a student visa but that had expired.
Judge Hughes said he did not accept Pu's explanation that he was there for 'some form of tuition'. His first encounter with the garda did not have 'any effect' on him until 'back-up arrived'. The incident had a 'profound effect' on the victim, he added.
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