Man and woman accused of sexual assault and child cruelty

Books of evidence were served on a man and woman who appeared in court accused of child cruelty and sexual assault in Laois. 

The man and woman, who are both in their mid 30s, are each accused of cruelty to a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and sexual assault on dates between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023. Neither accused can be named due to reporting restrictions. 

Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on each of the accused.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that they be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court. 

Andrew Dunne BL requested and was granted legal aid for a solicitor and two counsel for each of the accused. 

Judge Susan Fay noted the DPP had consented to the accused man and woman being sent forward to the circuit court. She gave the alibi warning and sent them forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court beginning on February 17, 2026.