Trial begins of former sports coach accused of sexually abusing four girls in the 70s and 80s

The man pleaded not guilty to the 74 counts against him, comprising 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. File picture

A former sports coach has gone on trial accused of dozens of counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 70s and 80s.

The 78-year-old man pleaded guilty to five of the 79 counts against him when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court jury on Tuesday.

He admitted five counts of indecently assaulting one of the four complainants on dates between May and September 1976.

The man pleaded not guilty to the remaining 74 counts against him, comprising 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.

The offences are alleged to have occurred in various locations in the State on dates between 1971 and 1981 when the complainants were aged between 10 and 15 years old, the court heard.

In his opening address to the jury on Tuesday, James Dwyer SC, prosecuting, said the alleged abuse took place in various locations including changing rooms, in the accused man's car, in some of their beds, in a derelict house in the case of one complainant and in his own home in relation to another who was babysitting his children.

He said the jury would hear evidence the alleged abuse took the form of kissing, inappropriate touching, digital penetration, forced oral sex and — in relation to one complainant — attempted rape.

He said the man “exploited his position of authority...and sexually abused these young girls who were entrusted in his care”.

Defendant's pleas

In relation to the first complainant, he has denied 29 counts of indecently assaulting her on dates between 1975 and 1977. The five guilty pleas he entered are in relation to this complainant.

In relation to the five guilty counts pertaining to one complainant, Mr Dwyer said these occurred during a period where the man is facing sample counts of abusing over an 18-month period after training.

He has denied two counts of indecently assaulting the second complainant on dates between 1975 and 1977.

In relation to the third complainant, he has denied 41 counts of indecently assaulting her and one count of attempted rape on dates between 1971 and 1975.

He has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecently assaulting the fourth complainant on a date between 1980 and 1981.

Judge's remarks

Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins told the jury they must remember the accused man is presumed innocent of the charges before the court, that the burden of proof lies with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and they must be persuaded of the evidence beyond reasonable doubt.

“He maintains that status as an innocent man unless and until you decide at the close of the evidence that you have been persuaded by the DPP he is guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge said.

The trial, which is set down for up to three weeks, continues before a jury of six men and six women.

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