DUBLIN - A woman in her 20s who was being questioned by gardaí over an alleged deception against a third-level institution has been released without charge.
A file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. The woman was detained yesterday under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at a south Dublin garda station. Gardaí carried out a search and seized electronic devices and other items.
The Background
The investigation began last year after UCD reported that a graphic photo of a woman was emailed to more than 170 academic staff and students on 22 April 2025.
A medical student at the college claimed she was raped three years prior and that an explicit image was taken in the aftermath and circulated without her knowledge or consent.
Academic Dispute
Following the alleged rape, the student failed to pass all second-year medical modules. UCD required her to remediate six incomplete modules. She challenged this in the High Court, claiming the university failed to make reasonable allowances after the alleged assault and subsequent pregnancy, forcing her to choose between studies and healthcare.
The High Court rejected her claim. Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger found UCD's support measures "entirely lawful and proper" and ruled the college was entitled to require her to follow an academic plan.
The student appealed to the Court of Appeal, which heard arguments yesterday and reserved judgment.
Current Status
Garda headquarters confirmed the arrest was for alleged deception against a third-level institution contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act. With the suspect released, the DPP will now determine whether charges are warranted.