Ex-Lord Mayor on sex charges

A book of evidence is being prepared in the case against a former lord mayor of Cork who appeared in court yesterday on six counts of sexual assault.

John Murray, a retired Labour Party member of Cork City Council, appeared before Cork District Court. He denies the charges against him.

Mr Murray, of 17 Gregg Rd, Cork, and who was Lord Mayor of Cork in 1993, faces a total of six charges of sexual assault against a girl on dates between 1996 and 1998.

The defendant was not required to speak during the brief hearing before Judge Leo Malone yesterday.

Garda Inspector Pat Meaney said the book of evidence in relation to the case was not yet ready.

He applied for the matter to be adjourned for a fortnight and said that the book will be ready for service on the defendant by that date.

Judge Malone agreed to the application and adjourned the case to Jun 12. He remanded Murray on continuing bail to appear before Cork District Court on that date.

Emmet Boyle, solicitor, who represented Murray, told the court he had no objection to the adjournment.