Donegal man (70s) to stand trial charged with 28 indecent assault charges

Stephen Maguire

A Donegal man is to stand trial charged with a total of 28 indecent assault charges against three females.

The man, who cannot be named, appeared at Letterkenny District Court before Judge Monika Leech.

The charges involve three different alleged victims.

He is charged that on dates unknown, between September 1st, 1985, and November 30th, 1985, both dates inclusive, at an unknown location in Co Donegal, did indecently assault a female.

The charges are Contrary to Common Law and as provided for in Section 10 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Act 1981.

The man, who is aged in his 70s, did not speak during the brief hearing.

He was accompanied to court by his wife.

Detective Garda Eimear Hassett gave evidence of arresting the man at Letterkenny Courthouse.

When arrested, the accused replied: "I don't recognise any of those allegations."

Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment and that the director consented for the accused to go forward on a signed plea.

He further told the court that there was no objection to bail in the case.

However, he asked for a number of conditions to be placed on the accused.

They include that he be of good behaviour, make himself available by phone 24 hours a day, make his address known to gardaí and have no contact with the alleged injured parties or witnesses in the case.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Rory O'Brien, said his application was for the receipt of a book of evidence in the case.

Mr O'Brien said he is keen to make progress in the case before the Christmas break.

Garda Sergeant Doyle said it is possible but unlikely that a book of evidence will be ready in the case by then.

The case was adjourned until December 15th for the service of a book of evidence.

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.