Mr C fails to appear in sexual assault case

The Dublin man, whose successful Supreme Court case led to the unlawful carnal knowledge legislation being declared unconstitutional, has failed to appear in court for a mention date of his case.

Ms Marie Torrens BL, defending, told Judge Katherine Delahunt at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, that her client, known as "Mr C", was not in court.

Ms Torrens said that as he had always attended on every other occasion, the Director of Public Prosecutions were not seeking a bench warrant.

She asked Judge Delahunt for another mention date when she said she expects her client will ask for a trial date to be set. He now faces sexual assault charges after a nolle prosequi was entered in relation to the unlawful carnal knowledge charge.

Ms Torrens said her client might still apply to the High Court in relation to whether he will get a fair trial because of the attention his case has received in the media.

Ms Melaine Greally BL, prosecuting, said that if "Mr C" does not appear for the next date the DPP will ask for a bench warrant to be issued.

Judge Delahunt adjourned the case to a date in March and warned Ms Torrens that if "Mr C" does not attend in court for that date a warrant will be issued for his arrest.