66 sexual assault charges brought against 69-year-old Cork man 

66 sexual assault charges were brought today (October 3) against a 69-year-old Cork man in respect of alleged incidents between 1983 to 2011.

The 66 charges relate to three different complainants making allegations of sexual assaults occurring when they were variously aged from six to 14 years.

Detective Garda Mick Dolan formally arrested the defendant for the purpose of charging him today at Cork District Court.

The accused was cautioned that he did not have to say anything after the charges were put to him and he made no reply to Det. Garda Dolan.

Frank Buttimer solicitor represented the accused and said it was agreed by the prosecution and the defence that parties to the case should not be identified. 

Judge Philip O’Leary made an order prohibiting identification of the parties in the case.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial by indictment on all 66 charges at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and consented to a plea of guilty being entered at district court level for sentencing at the circuit court.

Mr Buttimer said a book of evidence would be required.

Det. Garda Dolan indicated that some time would be needed because of the extensive nature of the case.

There was agreement from the defence to the application by Sgt. Kelleher to have the case adjourned until November 24 for preparation and service of the book of evidence.

Some of the charges relating to earlier dates refer to indecent assault and those with later dates refer to sexual assaults.

This simply arises out of a legislative change which saw the name of the count changed from indecent to sexual but in effect they are all the same offence.

40 of today’s charges relate to one complainant, 18 relate to a second man and eight relate to a third man, referring to incidents when they were allegedly sexually assaulted when they were boys variously aged from six to 14.

Geographical and related details of the cases cannot be published as they could give rise to identification of parties.