Man (77) charged with sexual assault of girl (4)
Olivia Kelleher
A 77-year-old man who is charged with sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl on five occasions in 2022 has been sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Cork Circuit Criminal Court in October.
The pensioner first appeared before Cork District Court in July, having been arrested at his home and subsequently charged with the alleged offences.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with five counts of sexual assault related to a period between January and May 2022.
On Wednesday at Cork District Court, Sgt John Dineen said the accused had been served with a book of evidence. Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, applied for and was granted an extension of free legal aid to pay for the appointment of a defence counsel at the trial. He said that the accused was on a state pension.
Judge Mary Dorgan issued the alibi warning. She then sent the defendant forward for trial to the next sitting of Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the 28th of October next. The man was remanded on bail to appear before the Circuit Court in the city on October 28th.
Meanwhile, Cork District Court previously heard evidence from Sgt Sheena Dowling. Sgt Dowling said that she arrested the man and brought him to the Bridewell Garda Station for questioning. He was then charged.
Informed he did not have to say anything but whatever he might say would be taken down in writing and could be given in evidence, he replied: “I will wait to see my brief.”
Inspector Ray Dunne previously said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The DPP had also consented to a plea of guilty being entered at the district court for sentencing at the circuit court.
The bail conditions in the case involve the accused not having any direct or indirect contact with the injured party or any of the witnesses in the case. He also has to reside at his home address, sign on every day at his local garda station and be contactable to gardaí around the clock.
He was also required to surrender his passport and not to apply for new travel documents.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
