Man (90s) faces trial for historic child sexual abuse

Tom Tuite

A Dublin pensioner in his 90s is to stand trial accused of indecent and sexual assaults on three youths in the 1970s and 1990s.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Dublin District Court on Monday facing 13 charges.

It follows a Garda investigation into historical allegations of child sexual abuse.

He faces two counts of sexual assault of the same male at a location in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, between August 4th 1997 and August 4th, 1999 and at an unknown Shopping centre, between July 1996 and August the following year.

The accused, who has not yet indicated a plea, is also charged with indecent assault of another male between April 1970 and April 1972.

He also faces 10 counts of indecent assault of a third male between January 1st and September 1st in 1973.

Judge Kelly noted the Director of Public Prosecutions directed a trial on indictment, meaning the case will be sent forward to the Circuit Court.

The elderly man, who has yet to enter a plea, was in a wheelchair for his court appearance and was represented by a solicitor.

Judge Kelly ordered him to appear again on November 14th to be served with a book of evidence and a return-for-trial order.

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.