Cork dentist charged with sexual assault

A DENTIST appeared at Cork District Court yesterday charged with sexual assault at a dental surgery almost four years ago.

John Tait faces two charges of sexually assaulting a female at the surgery at 6 St Patrick’s Terrace, Douglas, on December 20, 2006.

Judge David O’Riordan, sitting at Cork District Court was told by Sergeant Derek Mulcahy that the defendant was arrested, cautioned and charged at Togher Garda Station in Cork city at 8.25am on June 10, 2010.

He said Tait, 58, whose address is Glen House, Upper Rochestown, Cork, made no reply when charged with either offence.

On behalf of his client, defence counsel Frank Buttimer made reference to the “very historic nature of the allegations” and the “very substantial” delay in bringing the case to court.

He made an application for statements and for a substantial adjournment to allow those documents to be considered.

The court was told the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented that, if the defendant was pleading guilty in the case, it could be heard in the District Court. Otherwise it should be forwarded to the Circuit Court for trial by judge and jury.

Judge O’Riordan adjourned the case until October 6 when jurisdiction and any other issues will be raised.