Man accused of sexual assault and sexual exploition of a child

A man has been sent forward for trial on charges of sexual exploitation of a child and sexual assault. 

The man (53), who has a Laois address and cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of the sexual exploitation of a child on a date between January 10, 2024 and February 20, 2024 and on February 17, 2024. He is further accused of causing a child to watch sexual activity on a date between January 7, 2024 and February 20, 2024 and eleven counts of sexual assault on dates between June 1, 2023 and February 17, 2024. The offences are alleged to have occurred in Laois. 

Garda Lisa Murray served a book of evidence on the accused at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had consented to the accused being sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court. 

“There are 14 counts in the book,” he said. 

Judge Susan Fay noted that the DPP had consented to the defendant being sent forward for trial. She issued the standard alibi warning and sent the case forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court sitting on June 18. 

Counsel for the accused said the defendant was on social welfare and she asked for legal aid for two counsel and a solicitor.

Judge Fay granted the application and remanded the defendant on bail. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked about reporting restrictions in the case. 

Judge Fay said she had imposed reporting restrictions in the case in January and stated that they would continue.