Courts / Dublin / Report

Former scout acquitted of indecent assault loses bid for legal costs

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, a 73‑year‑old former scout was acquitted of three indecent assault charges dating from 1969‑70. After the acquittal, his lawyers applied for legal costs, but Judge Orla Crowe refused the application. She held that the prosecution was warranted and conducted in the public interest, that the defendant was properly prosecuted and defended, and that no impropriety occurred. Judge Crowe noted that the trial proceeded normally, with the defendant giving evidence and being cross‑examined, and that the defence had called witnesses to testify to his character. She cited case law on the criteria for costs after an acquittal, concluding that the prosecution was legitimate and properly carried out, and therefore the costs claim was denied. The unnamed 73-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former scout acquitted of indecent assault loses bid for legal costs. Charges or matters: three charges of indecent assault on dates sometime in 1969 to 1970. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 22, 2022 Incident
• 1969 to 1970 Incident
• 2022-06-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report