Man charged with defilement of underage girl

A 49-year-old man is to stand trial charged with the sexual defilement of an underage girl at a number of Galway locations almost ten years ago.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was initially brought in custody before Galway District Court in May.

Garda Patricia Grady gave evidence at the time or arresting and charging the man.  She said he had replied “No comment” when 39 charges were put.

The man is charged with 31 counts of having sexual intercourse with a child aged under 17 years of age, on dates between May 1, 2009 and November 19, 2010, contrary to Section 3 for the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 as amended by Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2007.

The man is further charged with eight counts of oral sex defilement of the same underage girl during the same dates.

The court heard the DPP had directed trial on indictment and the matter was adjourned for the preparation of a Book of Evidence.

Garda Grady gave evidence of serving the Book of Evidence on the man that morning.

Judge Marie Keane sent the man forward for trial to the next sittings of Galway Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 8.

She remanded the accused on continuing bail on his own surety of €1,000, to appear before the higher court in October with the same conditions attached.

Bail was originally granted in May on condition the accused surrender his passport and not apply for another passport or any travel documents, not leave the jurisdiction until completion of the case, sign on once a week at his local Garda station, reside at his current address, provide a phone number to Gardai and be contactable at all times, and have no contact with the complainant or any witnesses by any means – to include social media.

The Judge imposed reporting restrictions on publishing the man’s identity.

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