Pensioner charged with historical sex abuse of two women over 10-year period

The charges relate to a 10-year period between 1971 and 1981. Thirteen counts of indecent assault refer to one complainant, and 18 counts refer to another woman. Picture: Larry Cummins 

A historical sexual abuse complaint by two women was brought against a 69-year-old man, who appeared at Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Sheila O’Brien of the Protective Services Unit of An Garda Síochána formally arrested the pensioner on a total of 31 charges and he replied: “No comment”, to each count when he was cautioned he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down and could be given in evidence.

The charges relate to a 10-year period between 1971 and 1981. Thirteen counts of indecent assault refer to one complainant, and 18 counts refer to another woman. Indecent assault is the name given to the offence of sexual assault prior to 1990 and is in effect the same type of offence.

Dublin-based solicitor Damien Coffey represented the accused and he told Judge David Waters it was not a legal aid matter.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the case was to be dealt with by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. There was also DPP consent to a signed plea of guilty being entered at the district court for sentencing at the circuit court should that arise.

Mr Coffey said a book of evidence would be required. Judge Waters adjourned the case until October 27 to allow for the book to be prepared and served at Cork District Court.

Det Garda O’Brien said there was no objection to bail on conditions that require the 69-year-old to have no contact, direct or indirect, with the two complainants or witnesses to the case and to sign at his local Garda station once a week.

There is a family relationship between the parties but no details to the allegations were given in court and there is a prohibition on identification of those involved.