Courts / Dublin / Report

Elderly retired priest seeks to block abuse trial

Summary

An elderly retired Catholic priest, aged in his late eighties, has filed a High Court action to stop his trial in the Circuit Criminal Court over allegations of sexually assaulting a boy more than 50 years ago. He claims that dementia and other cognitive difficulties prevent him from receiving a fair trial, as he cannot understand proceedings or give evidence. The priest denies the allegations. A treating physician reports that his condition prevents him from instructing his legal team or understanding the trial. He faces over 40 counts of indecent assault against a young male between 1967 and 1972, alleged to have occurred at various sites in south Dublin, including a room in the priest's residence, a nearby shed and wasteland. The complainant first reported the abuse to Gardai two years ago, and the priest was charged last year. The High Court granted permission to bring the challenge ex‑parte, and the matter was adjourned to a March hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Elderly retired priest seeks to block abuse trial. Charges or matters: over 40 counts of indecent assault against a young male between 1967 and 1972; the offences last year. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• 1967 and 1972 Incident
• 2022-01-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report