UPDATE: Not guilty plea submitted in alleged renter sexual assault case heard in Kildare court

A Naas District Court defendant accused of sexually assaulting a woman has denied the offence.

The man submitted a not-guilty plea before Judge Desmond Zaidan on Thursday, November 16 last.

Garda Sergeant David Hanrahan reminded the judge of the allegations, as the they were initially detailed to the court back in September.

Sgt Hanrahan said that the man, who was renting a room in a County Kildare home at the time of the offence, was accused of sexually assaulting the daughter of the home-owner.

Gardaí allege that the man went into the woman’s bedroom while she was sleeping, lay down beside the her, and attempted to kiss and lick her.

Although it was claimed that he left, he allegedly returned to her room a short while later and attempted to molest the woman’s breasts.

When defending solicitor David Gibbons told Judge Zaidan at the time that the accused and the alleged injured party 'are somewhat connected,' Judge Desmond Zaidan decided to impose reporting restrictions until further information comes to light in the case.

After hearing the accusations again, Judge Zaidan adjourned the case to March 7, 2024, to allow time for a book of evidence to be served against the defendant.

The judge remanded the defendant on continuing bail until the case resumes.