A 50-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a secondary schoolgirl in Dublin 4 by repeatedly kissing her has been given two months to consider his plea.
Dublin District Court Appearance
The accused, whose identity is protected by reporting restrictions due to the nature of the allegations, appeared before Dublin District Court on Thursday.
Garda Michael Ryan told Judge Fiona Brennan that the defendant made no reply when formally charged under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990.
School Route Allegations Outlined
The Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case remain in the District Court rather than moving to the Circuit Court, which carries wider sentencing powers.
Outlining the facts of the case to establish jurisdiction, Garda Ryan stated that the incident occurred in November of last year. The accused allegedly approached the female juvenile as she walked home from school, engaged her in conversation, kissed her on both cheeks, and attempted to kiss her on the lips.
Bail Conditions and Disclosure Order
Following the summary of allegations, Judge Brennan accepted jurisdiction and granted the defense a disclosure order.
The judge ordered that the defendant have no contact with the complainant as a condition of his bail. He remains on cashless bail set at 200 euros and is scheduled to appear in court again in January to enter a plea.
Deferred Legal Aid Decision
During the proceedings, the defense solicitor applied for legal aid, noting that the accused is a foreign national living in south Dublin of limited means.
Judge Brennan deferred her ruling on the legal aid application, observing that the defendant is currently employed. She required a vouched statement of his financial means before deciding on his eligibility.
