Youth in court on sex assault charge

A Dublin youth has appeared in court accused of engaging in a sexual act with a young girl.

The 17-year-old boy was charged with defilement under Section Two of the Sexual Offences Act 2006. He is accused of anal penetration with his penis of a child under the age of 15, at his home, on a date between January 1, 2010 and July 4, 2011.

Judge Clare Leonard heard at the Dublin Children's Court that the boy, who was accompanied to his hearing by a parent, made no reply when he was charged.

The judge was also told that the DPP has recommended that the boy should be tried in the Circuit Court which on conviction has wider sentencing powers.

Defence solicitor Gareth Noble said he needed to take instructions in relation to making submissions about the schoolboy's trial venue.

He also said he wanted clarification on whether he could make arguments for the case to be dealt with in the juvenile court.

The judge directed the State to furnish the defence with copies of its evidence including the recorded interviews with the boy and a “specialist victim interview” with the complainant, whose age was not stated in the proceedings today.

The youth, who has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charge, was granted legal aid and remanded on bail to appear again later this month.