DPP drops new charges in 'C' case

The DPP have dropped new charges against one of the men previously accused of unlawful carnal knowledge until the Supreme Court "C-case" ruling on the unconstitutionality of the legislation.

Mr Dominic McGinn BL, prosecuting, told Judge Patricia Ryan just before a jury was due to be sworn in for the trial that he had been instructed by the DPP to enter a nolle prosequi (unwilling to pursue) on all charges against the man, who can not be named for legal reasons.

Judge Ryan told the man he was free to go following an application by defence counsel, Mr Michael O'Higgins SC (with Ms Geraldine Small BL), that his client be discharged from the indictment.