Teen charged with engaging in lewd act with boy, 7

A 13-year-old boy has appeared in court in Limerick charged with allegedly engaging in a lewd act with a seven-year-old boy.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Limerick District Court yesterday accompanied by his mother.

It is alleged the 13-year-old coerced a seven-year-old boy to engage in a lewd act contrary to section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998.

The court heard the teenager was charged yesterday at Roxboro Garda Station in Limerick. The 13-year-old made no reply to the charge.

The court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the matter proceed by way of trial on indictment, after reviewing the statement of complaint made by the alleged injured party and other material in the investigation file.

Defence solicitor Sarah Ryan told the court her client was seeking legal aid and said a statement of means would be furnished to the court in due course.

Sgt Donal Cronin said that there was no objection to bail.

Judge Marian O’Leary remanded the accused to appear before the court again on October 18.