Donegal man before court on 36 counts of alleged sexual assault

A Donegal man has appeared before Ballyshannon court on foot of dozens of counts of alleged sexual assault.

A total of 36 charges were brought against the accused on dates ranging from November 1, 1991 and June 30, 1992.

A publication order issued by Judge Deirdre Gearty at Friday's sitting of the Ballyshannon District Court means that the accused who is in his seventies or the alleged injured party cannot be identified.

Accused had been arrested that morning at 10.57am and charged with the offences at 10.58am.

Garda direct evidence from Gda Elaine Boyle indicated that a response of “nothing to say” was tendered to the first charge when proffered and defendant made no reply to the rest of them.

Inspector Seamus McGonigle told the court that the DPP instructions were that the accused be sent forward for trial on indictment on the alleged sexual assault charges.

He said that the Book of Evidence was not ready to be served at this early stage, while adding that it would take up to three months for this to happen.

There was no objection to bail, but bail conditions were to include the lodgement of a cash payment of €1,000 to the court. 

Other bail provisions included the accused not to contact directly or indirectly with the defendant or any named witnesses to the case.

Judge Gearty asked for a list with names to be provided, who the accused is prohibited from contacting, which was later supplied by the State.

She said that the accused was not to contact either directly or indirectly or through any social media channels with the alleged injured party nor was there to be any interference or contact with any of the named witnesses by any means including social media, that had been provided to the court.

As the accused had no passport, that was not an issue, but he was to also to adhere to normal bail conditions of being of good behaviour and attend the various court sittings, when requested.

Rory O’Brien solicitor represented the accused. 

Judge Gearty adjourned the case to Ballyshannon February 17, 2023 for service of the Book of Evidence or to extend time for service, as may be required.