Garda to face separate trials over sex assault charges

A GARDA sergeant will face twoseparate trials next year over allegations that he sexually assaulted two female colleagues while on duty at a Dublin Garda station.

The officer, who is in his 40s, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday, where he faces three counts of sexual assault on dates in March and June 2010.

Reporting restrictions were imposed earlier to prevent the identification of the complainants. This included an order prohibiting publication of the defendant’s name, place of work and where the incidents allegedly occurred.