Kildare man alleged to have raped girl (14)
for illustrative purposes only
A 21-YEAR-OLD Kildare man who allegedly groomed a 12-year-old girl via a website and texts before raping her was refused bail this week (10 September) and remanded in custody to reappear in Naas District Court on Tuesday (17 September).
Detective Garda Louise Long gave evidence how the defendant – who can’t be named – had been arrested that morning at 8.25am and taken to Naas Garda Station, where he was formally charged with three sexual offences, to which he made no reply.
“It is alleged on a date between 1 February and 30 June (named individual) sent a picture of his penis to a 14-year-old,” she said.
“Then on the 30 June, he drove to (named town Leinster) to have sex,” she added.
The three charges are all under the Criminal Law Act - S8 including using communication technology to sexually exploit a child, meeting a child for the purposes of having sex, and rape.
"The injured party admits they had sex,” said Det Long.
The DPP has already charged the man for meeting the child, which is alleged to have happened in early 2023, when the girl was only 12, and has indicated a trial by indictment (by jury in the Circuit Court).
“The book of evidence was served on 6 March and it’s due for Naas Circuit Court but hasn’t been heard yet."
She alleged he was on bail on this matter when he committed the later offences this year.
“That’s some awful stuff,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan, shaking his head.
“The defendant admitted meeting her and asked for sex, but was refused, before she was sexually assaulted,” said the detective, who confirmed the gardaí would be opposing bail.
“The defendant has denied sexual assault, but admitted kissing her, touching her bum and thighs,” she added.
“The victim’s and defendant’s phones were both seized, and the photograph was on his phone when he was arrested,” she said.
Det Long told the judge that CCTV footage could place his car on the motorway to her town, as it could in the Centra where they met, before driving out to a local beauty spot.
Defending barrister Donal Callaghan pleaded for his client to be under strict bail conditions, namely signing on at a garda station seven days a week, and having his mother sign for an independent surety, but Judge Zaidan was adamant. Bail was refused and the defendant remanded in custody for a week.
