Man accused of sexually assaulting girl (10) in west Dublin remanded in custody over evidence wait

Tom Tuite

A man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in west Dublin in October has been further remanded in custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence.

The 26-year-old non-Irish national appeared again at Cloverhill District Court for his seventh hearing on Wednesday, when his solicitor said some disclosure had been received and would be considered.

He was initially charged with sexual assault of the girl at Garter Lane in Saggart on October 20th, 2025, and was remanded in custody a day later.

Earlier, Garda Sergeant Connolly said the man replied, "I have nothing to say," to that charge.

The child had been missing from care.

Last month, a second count was brought against him for sexual assault of the same complainant at another location close to Garter Lane.

His reply to that charge was "I spoke to my solicitor and told him she sat beside me; you can check the CCTV. She started talking to me and I asked her her age, she told me she was 18. I just kissed her".

Garda Sergeant Connolly has already said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court. However, the prosecution must serve a book of evidence before he is sent forward to the higher level.

Judge Mitchell remanded the accused in continuing custody to appear again in two weeks.

The man had the assistance of an Arabic interpreter during the hearing after the courtroom was cleared for the in-camera proceedings.

There was no application for bail.

Legal aid was granted to the accused, who has yet to indicate a plea.

Judge Mitchell remanded him in custody to appear again at the same court via video link in two weeks.

The defence must give gardaí 48 hours' notice if they intend to move a bail application.

Following the alleged assault, there were violent scenes in Citywest, Dublin, resulting in more than 30 arrests, and gardaí suffering injuries, and a Garda vehicle was burned out. Court prosecutions have commenced while an investigation continues to identify others at the scene.

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