Man extradited in sexual abuse case

A 41-YEAR-OLD man was brought before a special sitting of the District Court in Killarney last night, on 11 charges including alleged rape, alleged sexual assault and alleged attempted rape.

The accused, who is Irish but who has been living in England for many years, was arrested on foot of an extradition warrant and the offences were allegedly committed in a house in Killarney between December 1, 2001, and January 31, 2002.

The charges involve two minors. His solicitor, Padraig O’Connell, Killarney, said all charges were being denied.

Det Sgt Sandra Kelly gave evidence of taking the accused into custody from the London Metropolitan Police, in London, yesterday, and of conveying him on a flight to Cork Airport.

When Det Sgt Kelly arrested and charged him last evening, she said he made no reply to each charge. She said the accused was living in a council flat in London.

Insp Barry O’Rourke, Killarney, said the state had no objection to bail but the charges were very serious and they would be seeking substantial independent sureties of €10,000.

Mr O’Connell sought bail and applied for free legal aid, saying the accused worked on a part- time basis and had an income of STG£300 (€363) a week.

He had no savings and lived with his partner and three young children.

Judge James O’Connor remanded the accused in custody to Wednesday’s sitting of Tralee District Court with consent to bail on his own bond €10,000 and two independent sureties of €10,000 each.

Judge O’Connor adjourned his decision on free legal aid pending more information on the assets of the accused, expected to be given on Wednesday.