*Reporting restrictions have been imposed for the case.
A 26-year old man has appeared in court charged with the rape of a female in West Clare more than a decade ago.
At Ennis District Court, Sgt Frank O’Grady confirmed to Judge Alec Gabbett that the complaint was a minor – aged less than 18 – at the time of the alleged rape offence on a date unknown between November 2nd 2011 and May 23rd 2014.
During the date range of the alleged rape offence, the accused – who has a Limerick city address – was aged thirteen to fifteen.
Along with the charge of rape, the accused – who can’t be identified for legal reasons – is also facing two counts of the sexual assault of the female on dates unknown between November 2nd 2011 and May 23rd 2014.
Sgt Frank O’Grady that the DPP has directed that the case is to go forward to the Central Criminal Court for trial.
Sgt O’Grady said that there was no objection to bail for the accused.
Judge Gabbett said to the accused man he will appear before the Distinct Court again for a Book of Evidence to be served.
He said that due to the serious nature of the allegations that the case will then be returned to the Central Criminal Court.
Judge Gabbett told the accused that reporting restrictions have been imposed in the case.
He said, “As always you are innocent until proven guilty and the case is to go to the Central Criminal Court, likely to be in Limerick but could go to Dublin”.
Judge Gabbett granted legal aid for two counsel to represent the accused in the Central Criminal Court. Sgt O’Grady confirmed that the investigating Garda in the case is Det Garda Cathy Burke.
Judge Gabbett remanded the accused on bail to March 26th to Ennis District Court.
