Sil Fox cleared of sexual assault on woman in Dublin bar

Legendary comedian Sylvester "Sil" Fox has been cleared of sexually assaulting a woman in a bar in Dublin.

Mr Fox pleaded not guilty in December 2018 to a sexual assault charge after he had agreed to take a selfie with the woman.

The case was dismissed on Wednesday by Judge Pamela Murphy after there were inconsistencies found in the complainant's stories as well as CCTV footage in what was a non-jury trial.

Mr Fox, who was raised in the Liberties but now has an address at Wellington Lawn, Templeogue, Dublin 6, told reporters that he had undergone "months of hell" after being brought to the court by his son Cyril.

"My health, physically and mentally, has deteriorated and I have endured countless nights with little or no sleep," the 87-year-old said.

Mr Fox went on to say that his shows had been cancelled due to the case, but that he is excited to get back to work.

The entertainer gave a statement to reporters outside Dublin District Court after the ruling was given.

It said: "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 seconds later.

"And I strongly believe the DPP has some serious questions to answer as to why they took this case."

The state had stopped calling prosecution evidence in February, but the case has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Judge Murphy, while stating that she was impressed with the complainant, dismissed the case due to inconsistencies with the complainant's stories and the CCTV footage which was shown to the court.