Former Athy Christian Brother sent for trial for historic sexual abuse allegation
Athy courthouse
A FORMER Christian brother from Athy will now have to stand trial in the Circuit Court for an allegation of sexual abuse that is more than 50 years old.
The man in 70s, on crutches and apparently hard of hearing, appeared in Athy District Court behind closed doors this week (14 July) for formal receipt of his Book of Evidence and trial date.
Sergeant Dave Hanrahan reminded the court of the outline of the allegation he was facing.
“This happened sometime in 1973 and is an allegation of sexual assault,” he said.
“The injured party was indecently touched inside his shorts (at a CBS school in the town),” he said.
“He was a Christian Brother at the time?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“Yes, judge,” said Sgt Hanrahan.
“Any fitness (issues to stand trial)?” asked the judge.
“No, judge,” confirmed the sergeant.
Prior to Garda Paul Connolly going through the formalities of testifying he had handed over the book of evidence to the man earlier that morning. The judge sent him forward for trial to the present sittings of Naas Circuit Court, which began back on 3 June.
To protect the identity of the injured party, reporting restrictions on the defendant were maintained at this stage.
