Kildare man accused of sexual assault 30 years ago
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN charged with two counts of historical sexual assault within the extended family appeared before a recent sitting of Naas District Court.
The man appeared at a closed doors session of the court recently following his arrest by arrangement by Detective Garda Suzanne Neary at Naas Garda Station.
“I assume he’s denying all charges?” Judge Desmond Zaidan asked defending solicitor David Powederley.
“He is, judge,” answered Mr Powderley.
Detective Neary explained to the court how she charged the man that morning with two counts of sexual assault at separate addresses in Co Kildare back in the 90s, contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape Act), to which the defendant “made no reply to charge”.
“This is very serious, and very unusual, male and female, aged 10 and 11,” said the judge.
“These are historical charges and they are both adults now,” the detective clarified.
“The offences against the boy happened on dates between 1997 and 1998, while the charges against the girl were on dates between 1995 and 1996,” she testified.
Detective Neary gave evidence where the offences allegedly occurred, which can’t be reported at this time, but was able to outline the allegations.
“With the boy he put his hand up his shorts to touch his penis, and with the female he was touching her breasts and vagina,” she said.
Detective Neary told the court how the male reported the abuse first, followed by the female, to give a formal statement at their respective garda stations on dates last year, 30-odd years after the alleged abuse.
Detective Neary concluded by saying that gardaí had “no objection to bail” and that the DPP had “directed trial by indictment” in the circuit court.
“We will have the book of evidence by the end of July,” she assured the judge.
Hearing this, the judge remanded the defendant on continuing bail, to return to court on 23 July for his Book and subsequent trial date.
