Abuse case reaches closing stages

The trial of a radio personality accused of sexually molesting four young girls has reached its concluding stages after 14-days hearing at the Central Criminal Court.

The jury of nine men and three women has been addressed by counsel for the prosecution, Mr Patrick J McCarthy SC and for the defence Mr Blaise O'Carroll SC after the hearing of evidence ended.

The now 66-year-old accused has pleaded not guilty to a total of 33 charges alleging sexual assaults on four females on dates from May 1974 to January 1989.

He denies one charge each of attempted carnal knowledge and attempted rape of two girls, and a further 31 charges of indecent assault involving them and two other girls, all of them under 15 years of age at the time.