Man, 65, in court on 11 sex assault charges

A 65-YEAR-OLD man appeared before Judge Leo Malone at a special district court sitting in Killarney, Co Kerry, last night, on 11 charges of sexually assaulting a female over a five-year period.

The man had earlier yesterday been arrested at Southampton Airport, in England, on foot of extradition warrants and was brought to court under garda escort.

The alleged offences, under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act, relate to the Killarney area and date from 1997 to 2002.

Garda Stephanie Hegarty, replying to Inspector Michael O’Donovan, Killarney, gave evidence of arresting the accused at Southampton Airport at 1.40pm yesterday. She said he made no reply to any of the charges.

The charges were again read to him at Killarney garda station at 6.45pm and he again made no reply after each charge.

Solicitor Pat F O’Connor represented the accused and said he was not in receipt of any income. Judge Malone granted a request for free legal aid.

Mr O’Connor said the State would be opposing an application for bail and he would reserve his position on that matter.

Judge Malone remanded the accused in custody to Tralee Court on Wednesday next.

Judge Malone also ordered that any material that would identify the accused should not be published.