Man before court in Donegal for alleged sexual offences against six victims

A man has been brought before a court in Donegal charged with six counts of sexual assault involving five females, and a further charge of attempted sexual assault of a child. 

The defendant who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the alleged victims was arrested ahead of the court sitting. The court heard that the defendant made no reply when charged. 

Six charges of sexual assault involving five female victims are alleged to have taken place in south Donegal on dates in May and June, 2022. The offences are contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. 

The defendant is further charged that in the same period and location, he did attempt, by inviting, inducing, counselling or inciting a child to sexual touching. This offence is contrary to Section 4 Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017. 

The defendant was remanded on bail on his own bond of €500, and the matter was adjourned to allow for service of the book of evidence,

Bail conditions are that the defendant have no contact with any of the injured parties by any means including via a third party, by social media, or any electronic means; have no contact with any employees of a specified organisation, past or previous; sign on once per week at an allocated garda station; surrender his passport and do not apply for a renewal or replacement; be of good behaviour; be contactable 24/7 via a mobile phone number supplied to gardaí. 

Legal aid was granted to Mullaney Solicitors.