Guest allegedly sexually assaulted cleaner at Kildare hotel
Image for illustration purpose
AN AMERICAN man charged with sexual assault in a Co Kildare hotel appeared before a recent sitting of Naas District.
The court heard that the alleged injured party was cleaner in the hotel on 2 July 2025 when a guest made a request for a kettle be brought to his room.
"He put out his hand for a handshake, pulled her closer for a hug, sniffed her neck and touched her bottom,” said Garda Stacey Connolly, the investigating officer, in evidence.
“He then followed her to the lift, and asked her what time she was getting off work,” she continued.
“The injured party (who was present in court) went back to her cleaning cart and left.” The defendant in the case, aged 71, with an address in California contests the charge.
“I’ll accept jurisdiction,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“Basically, it’s one word against the other? He asked.
“Yes, judge,” confirmed Garda Connolly.
“We will have four witnesses from the hotel that she disclosed to, though,” she added.
“There could be a total of five or six witnesses,” said the defence barrister in an effort to help the judge estimate how long the trial might last.
“In fairness, he has travelled from America,” noted Judge Zaidan.
“If I put it on my list it might never be heard, so we’ll get a special judge in to hear this case,” the judge offered the defendant.
The barrister revealed his client was completing a PhD, and while his original bond was set at €500, Judge Zaidan now increased this to €1,000.
He allowed him to operate on the same bail conditions as previously granted, namely be of good behaviour and turn up for court dates.
He adjourned the case until 26 February “for mention, to fix a special sitting”.
“He is not required to appear on that date,” said the judge. “I will excuse the defendant, but you will keep him informed …. and hopefully on 26 February we will have a date sometime after April”.
“Obviously, he will have to turn up for that,” he concluded.
