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Pensioner bids to stop trial for alleged sex abuse over 50 years ago

Summary

A pensioner in his late seventies has filed a High Court application to halt his criminal trial for alleged sexual assault of an eight‑year‑old girl in 1962‑63. He claims that the passage of more than five decades has prejudiced his right to a fair trial. The case is set to be heard by a judge and jury at the Circuit Criminal Court next year. The accused denies all charges and says he rarely visited the victim's Dublin home, contrary to the complainant's allegation that he and his family were regular visitors. He also asserts that he was working overseas at the time of some alleged incidents. His mother and sister, who might have supported his account, have died. The High Court, after hearing barrister Patrick Gageby SC, granted a stay on the prosecution, making the matter returnable to a June hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pensioner bids to stop trial for alleged sex abuse over 50 years ago. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 1962 and 1963 Other
• 2018-04-16 Publication

Why: In proceedings against the DPP the man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, seeks the permanent prohibition of his prosecution because he claims that he cannot get a fair trial. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report