Galway couple charged with rape and neglect remanded in custody

A Co Galway couple charged with cruelty, rape and neglect of their children have been further remanded in custody.

The couple, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Ennis District Court this afternoon.

Gardaí told the court that more serious charges against the couple are likely in the future.

The man is charged with 10 counts of raping his daughters over a 12-year period from 1997 to date, along with two counts of cruelty and neglect of his son, while his wife is charged with 18 counts of cruelty and neglect of her children.

Galway gardaí told the court the couple have moved addresses numerous times in recent months, were difficult to locate and they do not believe they would turn up to court if bail was granted.

Giving evidence, a daughter of the couple said she withdrew a statement of allegations against her parents in 2001 because they threatened to kill themselves and promised it would never happen again, but it did.

Both accused gave evidence denying the charges and said they never intimidated their daughters into withdrawing previous statements.

Judge Joseph Mangan denied bail and remanded the couple in custody to appear before Athenry District Court on January 12.