All charges against Accused D withdrawn as trial reaches closing speeches

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

All charges against Accused D, a 33-year-old brother of the complainant, were withdrawn after extensive legal argument, the Central Criminal Court jury was told on April 28. He had originally faced 22 charges. Six other men were re-arraigned that day on 20 remaining charges, 16 relating to the main complainant.

The prosecution began its closing speech nearly eight months after the trial opened. The six remaining defendants deny all charges, and the court heard that some counts had been amended to change dates and locations. The prosecution closing speech was due to continue the following day.