This article is from page 14 of the 2013-10-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A DECISION on bail for a 78 yearold man charged with rape and indecent assault is due to be made at Ennis District Court tomorrow.
The man is facing 24 counts of indecent assault and one count of rape contrary to the Offences Against The Person Act 1861. It is alleged the alleged offences were committed between 1971 and 1980 in areas of Clare.
The man is currently in custody on remand following a bail application at Ennis District Court Wednesday.
The court heard the man denies all charges and intends to contest the case fully. He was originally brought before the court on Thursday, October 10.
On Wednesday, defence solicitor John Casey told the court his client was applying for bail. Inspector Michael Gallagher said the State strongly objected to bail for the man, who was described in court as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Detective Garda Donal Corkery told the court gardaí objected to bail on a number of grounds including the seriousness of the charges and their belief the accused is a flight risk. The court heard the man has lived in a number of countries around the world. Det Corkery said he believed the accused would leave the jurisdiction if granted bail.
The accused’s wife told the court the couple intend to remain in Ireland for the duration of legal proceedings. The man told the court he has no reason to leave the country. “I’ve no intention of running. I’m going to face these charges,” he said.
Judge Patrick Durcan said he was reserving judgment on bail to tomorrow. The man was remanded in custody to appear again at Ennis District Court on Wednesday, October 23. Reporting restrictions have been placed on the case.