A woman faced a brutal sexual assault and was left deeply traumatized by a Tinder date. Identified as Sophie for privacy, she was a student at Queen’s University Belfast when she engaged in consensual intimacy with Fearghall Mulgrew. However, the situation took a dark turn when Mulgrew bit her face and body, engaging in sexual acts without her consent.
Following the incident in 2021, Sophie sought help by self-referring to The Rowan, a sexual assault referral center in Northern Ireland, and reporting the crime to the Northern Irish police. Subsequently, Mulgrew, a resident of Stewartstown, was convicted of sexual assault by penetration and five counts of causing actual bodily harm at Laganside Court on February 5 the following year. He received a 22-month sentence, with eight months to be served in custody, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade.
Reflecting on her harrowing experience, Sophie shared her story with BelfastLive, emphasizing the importance of seeking justice for victims of sexual assault. Recalling the night of the attack, she described Mulgrew’s violent behavior, including biting, choking, and refusing to heed her pleas to stop. Despite enduring physical and emotional trauma, Sophie found the strength to come forward and pursue legal action, with the support of dedicated professionals at The Rowan and the police.
Today, Sophie is on a path to recovery, receiving ongoing support from mental health professionals and finding solace in helping others by sharing her story. By speaking out, she aims to raise awareness about the complexities of consent and empower survivors to seek help early on. Sophie’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and the importance of advocating for accountability in cases of sexual violence.
