Man for trial on child sex charges

A 52-year-old man has been sent forward for trial charged with the sexual exploitation of a child over an eight-month period.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces eight charges of using a child for sexual exploitation, contrary to Section 3(2) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, on dates unknown between December, 2011, and July, 2012.

Garda Orla Flatley gave evidence at Galway District Court on Monday of serving a Book of Evidence on the man earlier that morning.

Judge Mary Fahy sent the man forward for trial to Galway Circuit Criminal Court on November 24.

She remanded the accused on continuing bail, on his own surety of €500 and one independent surety of €500, with no lodgement required, to appear before the Circuit Court on that date.

Bail was initially granted in September on condition the accused sign on at his local Garda Station every Monday and Friday, hand over his passport to Gardaí and not apply for a new one or any other travel documents, and have no contact with the complainant or any other witnesses in the matter.

Judge Fahy said reporting restrictions were to continue, stating that because of the nature of the charges she was making the usual reporting restrictions in regard to the identity of the defendant.

She went further and said reporting restrictions were also to include the location or place where the alleged subject matter of the charges occurred.

Applying for Free Legal Aid for his client, Mr Acton said the man had not worked for a number of years and was relying on an income protection policy.

Judge Fahy said the accused would be entitled to Free Legal Aid and she certified for one junior and one senior barrister to represent the accused in the Circuit Court.