Man appears before Portlaoise District Court accused of child cruelty
The man is also accused of sexual assault
A man appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of child cruelty and sexual assault.
The man (55), who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of cruelty to children at a location with the state on dates between January 2, 2007 and January 2, 2009. He is further accused of sexual assault between December 22, 1999 and December 21, 2003 and a further count of sexual assault between December 12, 2002 and December 21, 2005.
Detective Garda Ray Dermody said he had arrested and charged the accused. He said the DPP had directed trial on indictment and he asked for six weeks to prepare the book of evidence.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said bail was agreed subject to certain conditions. She said her client was working and she asked Judge Andrew Cody to defer legal aid.
Judge Cody reserved legal aid and remanded the man on bail to appear again before Portlaoise District Court for service of the book of evidence on June 15.