Andrew Carey
A PENSIONER is to seek bail next week after he appeared at a sitting of Limerick District Court charged with raping a seven year old girl.
The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been living in the UK and was arrested following the execution of a European arrest warrant.
He appeared before Judge Eugene O’Kelly on charges of raping the young girl over 20 years ago.
Garda Alison Carroll gave evidence of arresting the 60-year-old at Shannon Airport last Wednesday on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.
The accused had been extradited from the UK following his arrest by Metropolitian Poilce.
He is charged with five counts of rape and three counts of indecently assaulting a young girl at four separate locations in Limerick on dates between December 31, 1984 and December 2, 1988.
The victim was aged seven at the time of the first alleged incident.
Garda Carroll said the accused replied when charged with the offences, “Well I’m pleading not guilty to it anyhow”.
Inspector Seamus Ruane said the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the case be tried on indictment adding that the preparation of the book of evidence was at an advanced stage.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly remanded the accused in custody until later next week when it is expected that a bail application will be made.
Solicitor John Herbert was assigned as legal aid to represent the accused who remained silent throughout the briefing hearing.
