Cork man to be tried in criminal court on charges of harassing and assaulting woman

He is also accused of grossly offensive communication with the woman

On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward from Cork District Court on Tuesday to the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 28. File photo: Larry Cummins

A book of evidence was served on a man on Tuesday who is accused of harassment of a woman as well as grossly offensive communication with her and assault causing harm to the same person.

On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward from Cork District Court on Tuesday to the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 28.

The judge gave the 45-year-old defendant an alibi warning whereby he was required to give the prosecution notice of any witnesses he might be calling if relying on an alibi defence.

The first charge states that between August 24 and November 21, 2023, at locations within the state he did harass a named woman, contrary to sections of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

The second count states that between November 3 and 21, 2023, at locations within the state he did send threatening or grossly offensive communication to her with intent to cause harm, contrary to sections of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.

The third charge brought against the accused by Sergeant Jessica Newman alleges that he assaulted this woman causing her harm on October 23, 2023.

The case was dealt with at an in-camera sitting of Cork District Court whereby there is a prohibition on identification of the parties.

The defendant was represented by solicitor Eddie Burke.