Man (20s) charged in relation to alleged serious assault of girl in Dublin

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A man has been charged in connection with the serious assault of a girl in at Saggart, Co. Dublin on Monday.

He is expected to appear before a sitting of Blanchardstown District Court on Tuesday morning.

The alleged assault was reported in the area of the Citywest Hotel complex, which has been purchased by the Government for the accommodation of international protection applicants.

Gardaí are looking to speak to people who were in the City West Drive, Garter Lane, City West Luas Stop, or Saggart Luas Stop areas between 11pm on Sunday and 1.30am on Monday.

The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Clondalkin Garda Station on (01) 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The child and family agency Tusla also confirmed that the young girl had been volunteered to its care by her family in February.

In a statement, the agency said she “absconded” while on a recreational trip with staff in the city centre, after which she was reported missing to gardaí.

“Staff immediately reported her missing to An Garda Siochana.

“She was later found to have returned to a relative’s home, again absconding from that house later in the evening.

“She remained in phone contact with staff but would not identify her precise location.

“She subsequently told staff that she had been involved in a serious incident.

“Staff did eventually ascertain her location through details she provided, and alerted AGS who did locate her.

“Our priority now is on supporting the young girl and her family and liaising with An Garda Siochana.”