Rape accused fails to show up in Kildare court
Athy courthouse
“I’M very surprised he hasn’t shown up,” said the solicitor of a man charged with alleged rape and strangulation of a woman.
The 38-year-old defendant who cannot be identified due to reporting restrictions, was due to appear in Athy District Court last week charged with a total of 14 offences committed between 14-27 October including rape on 19 October.
He is also charged with two counts of assault causing harm at an address in Co Kildare on 19 and 26 October, two counts of assault causing harm at the same address on 13 October, for being drunk and disorderly, of threatening and abusive behaviour on a public road in the county on 27 October, and of criminal damage to a door and mirror.
He was due to appear to be served his book of evidence and learn his trial date for a superior court, but did not show up.
“Circuit or Central (Central Criminal Court)?” Judge Desmond Zaidan asked prosecuting officer Sergeant Dave Hanrahan.
“Central,” he replied, indicating the gravity of the charges.
“These are three separate incidents within a relationship,” said the sergeant.
“These are very serious charges, alleged strangulation … he brought a knife up to her throat … he kicked and punched her, and she feared for her life,” he added.
“He threatened to burn down her home, but was arrested a short time later for breaching a protection order (on 28 October),” he continued.
Solicitor Tim Kennelly had previously sought a strike out of all the charges, citing the four months since the offences as being a delay that was prejudicial to justice, however, the judge wasn’t hearing it.
”How old is the injured party?” asked the judge.
“She’s in her 30s,” said the sergeant.
“And there’s no objection to bail by the gardaí?” asked the judge.
“No, because he’s under very strict conditions,” said the sergeant.
However, without an appearance, and his solicitor Chloe Donegan in surprise at this absence, Judge Zaidan issued a warrant for the defendant’s immediate arrest.
