Laois man sent forward to circuit court on sex offences

Garda Lisa Murray served a book of evidence on a 22-year-old Laois man when he was sent forward to the present sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court on sex offences.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the injured party, is charged with the defilement of a girl under the age of 15 and with sexual assault at a location in Laois on 26 April last year.

Sending the man forward to the present sitting of the Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Andrew Cody advised him to notify the prosecution within 14 days if he intended to use an alibi in his defence.

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Defending solicitor Brian Duffy was successful in his application for the engagement of a senior and junior counsel to assist him in the case.

* If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.

Funding by the Court Reporting Scheme.