Comedian Sil Fox cleared of sexual assault

Comedian Sylvester "Sil" Fox has been cleared of sexually assaulting a woman in a pub in Dublin city centre.

The 87-year-old, with an address at Wellington Lawn, Templeogue, had pleaded not guilty to the charge after he agreed to have a selfie photo taken with the woman on 17 December 2018.

The case was dismissed today by Judge Paula Murphy because of inconsistencies between the complainant's evidence and CCTV footage shown during the non-jury trial at Dublin District Court.

After the ruling was delivered, Mr Fox gave a statement to reporters on the steps of the court.

The comedian, who was brought to court by his son Cyril, told reporters he has been through "months of hell."

He said: "My health, physically and mentally, has deteriorated and I have endured countless nights with little or no sleep."

"I am delighted that I have been completely exonerated of all charges by the court today.

"This case should never have been taken. Nothing untoward or inappropriate ever happened. As the CCTV footage make crystal clear I was asked to participate in the selfie photo, which I did, and I walked away five second later.

"And I strongly believe the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) has some serious questions to answer as to why they took this case."

All of his shows were cancelled because of the case but he is now looking forward to getting back to work, Mr Fox added.