Man, 82, charged with historic indecent assaults

An 82-year-old man from Glanmire, Co Cork, was arrested yesterday and charged with indecently assaulting a boy.

Some of the alleged incidents occurred 48 years ago.

Sgt Annamarie Guiney arrested Patrick Bassett at the courthouse on Washington St, Cork City, yesterday morning and brought him before Cork District Court.

Sgt Guiney charged Mr Bassett, who has an address at The Farmhouse, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, with 12 counts of indecent assault.

The sergeant cautioned the accused that he did not have to say anything but that anything he might say would be taken down in writing and given in evidence.

Mr Bassett made no reply to any of the charges.

Insp Mary King said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that this case should be dealt with by indictment.

The inspector applied for an adjournment of the case to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence.

Solicitor Joseph Cuddigan was appointed to represent Mr Bassett on free legal aid. He said there was no application for the defendant to be released on bail.

Judge Con O’Leary remanded Mr Bassett in custody for one week.

It is alleged that the 12 indecent assaults were committed between 1968 and 1970 when the complainant was aged between 10 and 12.

It is anticipated that when the book of evidence is completed and served on the accused, the case will be sent forward for trial by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.