A SERVING Catholic priest has been charged with allegedly indecently assaulting a young boy during the 1980s in an East Limerick parish.
The 60-year-old priest, who can not be named for legal reasons, is charged with eight counts of indecent assault on dates between September 1, 1988 and August 1, 1990.
Appearing before Limerick District Court, the accused priest has been charged with the offences contrary to Common Law and Section 62 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861 which were later amended.
Detective Sergeant Mike Reidy said that the accused made no reply when arrested by appointment earlier this Tuesday and officially charged.
The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions consented that the case proceed by way of trial on indictment.
Gardaí did not object to bail nor did they seek any special conditions to be included.
Defence solicitor Philip English was assigned to the priest as free legal aid.
Judge Marian O’Leary remanded the priest to appear again before Kilmallock District Court on September 13 for the service of a Book of Evidence.
