Diplomat's son 'not immune from charges'

The son of Ireland’s Maltese ambassador has not invoked diplomatic immunity over two sexual assault allegations, his foreign ministry has said.

Ambassador Richard Muscat has resigned from his position as the controversy surrounding his son Massimo continues.

Massimo Muscat was arrested in connection with attacks on two women near the embassy belt in an elite leafy Dublin suburb last October, but has not been charged.

One of his alleged victims spoke out this week over claims the ambassador’s son could not be prosecuted by gardaí because he had invoked diplomatic immunity.

However, his father – and solicitors acting for the family – have denied his diplomatic status was ever used to save his son from charges after his arrest.

The ambassador stressed justice had been left to proceed in the normal way.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern revealed the Maltese authorities have confirmed diplomatic immunity will not apply.

Trinity College student Christine Leech-Cleary, who went public with her story this week, maintains she was told by gardaí that no charges would be brought against Massimo Muscat because he was protected by diplomatic immunity.

The 20-year-old, from Portmarnock, Co Dublin, claims a man grabbed her and put his hand down her top before trying to drag her into Herbert Park.

Ms Leech-Cleary said she screamed and struggled until she broke free, but alleges just moments later the same man attacked another woman.

Massimo Muscat was later arrested.

Richard Muscat maintains his 35-year-old son is innocent and the allegations are wholly unfounded.

He said Massimo suffered from a medical condition and was dependent on him and his wife Joyce.

In his letter of resignation, Mr Muscat – the Maltese ambassador for eight years – also blamed a section of the media for making what he called "unfounded and defamatory" allegations against his son.

Gardaí have confirmed that a file on the case is still with the Director of Public Prosecutions.