Bench warrant for arrest of pensioner on sex assault charges

Another bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of an 83-year-old man who has failed to appear before Galway District Court on three occasions to face charges of sexually assaulting two young girls.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with sexually assaulting the first girl on a bus at an unknown location between Tuam and Ceannt Station on November 21, 2017.

He is further charged with sexually assaulting the second girl at Ceannt station on the same date.

The old age pensioner, who is entitled to free travel on public transport, was initially charged with both offences and brought before the court last July.

The court heard at the time that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed the charges could be dealt with at District Court level.

He was granted bail and told to appear back before the court in October to either plead guilty to the charges or have a date fixed for hearing.

He failed to show up in court in October and the matter was adjourned to December 4. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest on that date when he again failed to attend court.

The warrant was executed and he was bought before Castlerea District Court on January 17 last where he was given bail, on his own surety of €200, to appear before Galway District Court last week.

Judge Mary Fahy issued a second bench warrant for the man’s arrest last week and directed his €200 bail money be forfeited to the State.