Elderly man accused of indecent assaults on boys in Laois

An 89 year old man is due to face trial over the alleged indecent assaults of boys in Laois in the 1970s and 80s. 

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of 44 counts of indecent assault at a location in Laois on dates between 1978 and 1989. 

The man, who was walking with the aid of a crutch, was brought before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the defendant in the body of the courthouse. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby applied to make a number of amendments to six of the charge sheets. He said the DPP had consented to the accused being sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 28. 

Judge Susan Fay noted the DPP had consented to the defendant being sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court. She issued the standard alibi warning which Andrew Dunne BL explained to the accused. 

He requested reporting restrictions and requested legal aid for Solicitor Andrew King and two counsel given the serious nature of the allegations. 

Judge Fay granted legal aid and said the defendant was entitled to automatic reporting restrictions due to the nature of the charges as she imposed reporting restrictions. 

Judge Fay remanded the defendant on bail to appear before the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 28.