Book of evidence served in Cork sexual assault case

A book of evidence was served on a 69-year-old man facing prosecution arising out of a historical sexual abuse complaint by two women.

Sergeant John Dineen confirmed service of the book of evidence on the accused, who cannot be identified.

Judge David Waters sent the case forward from Cork District Court for trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on November 11. It is anticipated that the case will be further adjourned on that date.

Detective Garda Sheila O’Brien, of the Protective Services Unit of An Garda Síochána, formally arrested the pensioner earlier this month on a total of 30 charges and he replied: “No comment” to each count when he was cautioned that he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down and could be given in evidence.

The charges relate to a 10-year period between 1971 and 1981. Thirteen counts of indecent assault refer to one complainant and 17 counts refer to another woman. Indecent assault is the name given to the offence of sexual assault prior to 1990 and is, in effect, the same type of offence.

Dublin-based solicitor Damien Coffey represented the accused, and he told Judge David Waters that it was not a legal aid matter.

Det Gda O’Brien said there was no objection to bail on conditions that require the 69-year-old to have no contact, direct or indirect, with the two complainants or witnesses to the case and to sign at his local garda station once a week.

There is a family relationship between the parties, but no details of the allegations were given in court, and there is a prohibition on the identification of those involved.