Tipperary sex case adjourned after identity revealed

The jury in the trial of a Tipperary sports coach charged with the sexual assault of four young girls has been discharged after tabloid newspapers published his photograph and identity.

Judge Dominic Lynch at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court said in view of some of the newspapers linking the accused with his well-known brother, he had no option but to discharge the jury.

When the trial resumed this morning for its second day of evidence, counsel for the accused Peter Charlton, complained that the media had published his client's name, address, photograph and linked him to his brother.

Mr Charlton said reporting restrictions had been put in place for this case by Judge Pat McCartan and a similar order had been made at Limerick District Court.

Judge Lynch said today the publication of the accused's identity and linking him to his well-known brother, diminished the possibility of a fair trial.

Judge Lynch said he was left with no option but to discharge the jury so that a new trial could take place.

Peter Charlton, senior counsel for the accused, said certain newspapers had made an error, adding that if newspapers cannot get their stories right, they should pack up and go home.