CASE UPDATE: Rape accused has Kildare court case sent forward for trial

A Naas District Court defendant accused of rape and indecent assault offences has had his case sent forward for trial by Judge Desmond Zaidan.

Back in May, the court was told about an alleged incidence of rape, which was allegedly committed by a then-teenage boy in Kildare.

The man, who is now an adult, appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan in the court, in which he was charged with one count of raping a then-child who was known to him, as well as facing four counts of indecent assault allegedly committed against the same then-child.

It was heard that the alleged injured party is now an adult.

At the time, Judge Zaidan remarked that the allegations were 'very serious,' and as the two parties are known to each other, Judge Zaidan imposed reporting restrictions on the case, to protect the identity of the alleged injured party.

On the latest court date (Thursday, June 27 last), a book of evidence was served on the defendant by gardaí.

Immediately after this, Judge Zaidan sent the accused's case forward for trial to the next sittings of Naas District Court (the exact date of the next sittings was not disclosed before the court).

The judge remanded the defendant on continuing bail, and maintained that reporting restrictions will remain in place for this case.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Samaritans Ireland at [email protected] or by ringing 116 123, as well as by visiting pieta.ie (Free 24/7 Crisis helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).

You can also find additional resources at the Rape Crisis Centre at http://drcc.ie.

For resources relating to young people who are concerned about sexual violence, please visit https://www.childline.ie/