Cork man accused of raping girl set for trial at Central Criminal Court

The man is also charged with producing and possessing child sex abuse images

Skibbereen District Court heard that the rapes are alleged to have occurred at locations in Co Cork on four occasions on dates unknown between October 24, 2024, and January 17, 2025. File picture: Dan Linehan

A Cork man accused of raping a girl under the age of 17 has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged injured party, appeared before Judge Joanne Carroll at Skibbereen District Court.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy said the man was charged with eight offences and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was directing that he be sent forward for trial at a sitting of the Central Criminal Court on all eight charges.

Detective Garda Paul Cullen of the the West Cork Protective Services Unit confirmed that the book of evidence had been served on the accused.

Judge Carroll said the man faced four charges of rape of a female under the age of 17. The rapes are alleged to have occurred at locations in Co. Cork on four occasions on dates unknown between October 24, 2024, and January 17, 2025.

It is also alleged that the man sexually exploited a child on a date unknown between October 24, 2024, and January 17, 2025. In addition the man is charged with producing child pornography for distribution contrary to Section 5 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998 on November 30, 2024.

The accused faces a further charge of possession of 13 images and four videos of child pornography on January 24, 2025. He is also charged with using a Samsung Galaxy phone to use Snapchat to communicate with a child for the purpose of exploitation on a dates unknown between October 24, 2024, and January 17, 2025, contrary to Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Act 2017.

Judge Carroll warned the accused that if he intended to use an alibi as part of his defence, notice of any alibi evidence must be provided to the prosecution within 14 days of receipt of the book of evidence.

Flor Murphy, defending, requested that legal aid be extended to provide for the provision of one junior and one senior counsel, which was granted. 

A Section 56 order was also granted to provide the defence with copies of any Garda interview recordings with the accused man.

The man was remanded on continuing bail on the condition he continues to reside at the address provided to the court and provides 72 hours notice to gardaí of any proposed change of address. 

He was also ordered to sign on at a Garda station every Wednesday between 9am and 9pm, to have no contact with the alleged injured party or any witnesses, and to be contactable by mobile phone.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.