Courts / Dublin / Report

Man accused of sex assaults on six did not assault first complainant, defence say

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, counsel for a 59‑year‑old man accused of attempted rape and eight sexual assaults between 1991 and 1997 argued that no assault occurred against the first complainant, who was 18 in November 1997. The complainant testified that he slept in the accused's bed and that the accused's mouth made contact with his penis. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC cross‑examined the witness, asserting that any wrongdoing was denied by the accused and that if anything happened it was "something someone was doing while asleep." The complainant disputed this, stating he had run home after the incident and later told his mother he had been raped, though he now acknowledges that his memory of the event was altered over time. The case remains before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury. The unnamed 59-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of sex assaults on six did not assault first complainant, defence say. Charges or matters: one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault on dates between March 1991 and November 1997 at locations in Co. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 1991 Incident
• November 1997 Incident
• 2023-11-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report