'I am going to lock you in a horsebox until I get what I want' - Dublin carer sent forward for trial

Tom Tuite

A Dublin carer accused of extortion and threatening a woman that he would rape her and confine her to a horsebox has been sent forward for trial.

Prosecutors served Thomas McAuley, 25, of Shamrock Terrace, North Strand, D1, with a book of evidence at Dublin District Court on Monday.

Mr McAuley, who is on a carer's allowance, has yet to enter a plea. He is accused of extortion by demanding €5,500 on March 22nd from a woman in Dublin's north inner city.

That charge alleges he demanded the cash, "Or I am going to drag you into a van, I am going to rape you and break your pelvis, and then I am going to lock you in a horsebox until I get what I want."

He also has a charge for threatening to kill or cause her serious harm on the same date.

Mr McAuley was also accused of robbery of clothing worth €50 from a male at another location in the city centre's north side on March 21st and assault with intent to cause him bodily harm on the same date.

Garda Darragh O'Connor said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed a trial on indictment at a higher level, which has wider sentencing powers.

Judge Michele Finan granted a trial order, sending Mr McAuley forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention in December.

The accused remains on bail with conditions: signing on daily at a Garda station, obeying a curfew, and remaining contactable by mobile phone.

He was warned to notify the prosecution if he intends to rely on an alibi in his defence.

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.