Laois teenager charged with rape 

A teenager has been sent forward to the Central Criminal Court on a rape charge. 

The accused, who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, appeared before Portlaoise District Court where he was served with a Book of Evidence. 

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes gave evidence of serving a Book of Evidence on the teenager. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused, who is in his late teens and has a Laois address, should be sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. 

He is accused of rape at a location in Laois on dates between June 22, 2017 and June 21, 2019. 

Judge Andrew Cody sent the teenager forward to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court. He remanded the defendant on bail and granted legal aid for two counsel in the case.