Kildare man accused of raping wife sent for trial
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A KILDARE man charged with alleged marital rape on two separate occasions at the family home was sent forward recently for trial to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court (CCC).
The man who can’t be named at this stage to protect the identity of the injured party, recently appeared in Naas District Court alongside his barrister Mark Gibbons for the formal presentation of his book of evidence.
“This is for trial, and he will be sent forward on an assigned (not guilty) plea,” said Sergeant Mary Meade.
Not fully familiar with the case, when Judge Desmond Zaidan noted the two counts of rapes on the charge sheets before him, he asked Sgt Meade: “What is the connection between this man and (named woman)?”
"Husband and wife,” said the sergeant, so the judge asked for an outline of the allegations.
“Some time between the 8-9 February 2020 (named woman) returned home after a night out with friends,” said the sergeant.
“She was intoxicated, so they slept in separate beds.
“On this occasion, it is alleged he took her to his bed and had unconsensual sex with her.
“Then, on a second date between 1 and 31 October, 2020 the couple told their children they were separating.
“They (the couple) had a meal together, and they were drinking.
“It is alleged he had forcible vaginal sex with her, and bit her."
Mr Gibbons outlined his client’s family background, that he had no previous convictions, and that he had “a very good job working for a multi-national company”.
“I will allow reporting on the facts, but it’s tragic, with children involved, I won’t allow the name of his firm be published,” Judge Zaidan ruled.
“I must give him the alibi warning (ie. if he intends to rely on one, the details must be given to the authorities within two weeks).
“I’ll remand him on continuing bail under the same terms and conditions. any Garda objection?” to which Sgt Meade shook her head.
