Man, 79, charged with sexually assaulting boy at church
Refers Sexual Charges A Date A September On Second Heard To Cork A Year July In That In Date And Assault 1998, Court On In District The
A 79-year old man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a boy on two occasions at a church in 1998.
Detective Garda Niall Comerford formally arrested the defendant at Cork District Court shortly before 10am today for the purpose of charging him.
The first charge refers to a sexual assault on a specific date in July 1998. The second count refers to a sexual assault on an unspecified date in September of that same year.
Sergeant John Kelleher said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the case should proceed to trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
The DPP also consented to a guilty plea being entered at Cork District Court and for the accused to be sent forward to the circuit court for sentencing.
Defence solicitor Deborah Cody said: “(Defendant) will not be availing of a signed plea.”
His reply after caution to each charge was 'not guilty'”
Once it was indicated that this was the defence position, a book of evidence was available in court and was served on the man.
Judge Mary Dorgan gave him the alibi warning in respect of certain notices to be given to the prosecution if the defendant is using an alibi defence.
There was no application for free legal aid by Ms Cody.
The case was sent forward to the opening day of the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on February 4. It is anticipated that a date may be set for a trial by judge and jury later in 2025.
There is a prohibition on identification of the parties.
No details of the allegations in the case which gave rise to the two sexual assault charges were given at the brief in camera hearing of Cork District Court.