*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.

Related News

Paula Kearney GCC Biodiversity Officer, Ciar O Toole Senior Ecologist MARA, Minister Timmy Dooley Karin Dubsky Coastwatch-2
Water quality protection comes to the surface at Salthill workshop
kilrush district court 1
Judge rejects 'sleepwalking' defence to convict Shragh drunk driver
vaughans garden centre 1
Ennis garden centre burglar led Gardaí to his home with trail of compost on footpath
le19 gabriel keating 1
'People need to put their hand in their pocket we need more hotels in West Clare' - councillors stress need to increase overnight stays in Clare

Advertisement

Latest News
clare v offaly 23-03-25 manus doherty keelan sexton 1
The Water Break: Make or break for Peter Keane & Clare footballers in Munster semi-final
cork v clare u20 01-04-25 luke pyne 3
Ruthless Kerry finish off Clare's U20 campaign
clare v leitrim 02-05-25 peter keane 1
'Worry is like a rocking chair it gets you nowhere' - Keane focused on Tipp showdown not potential final with native Kerry
Paula Kearney GCC Biodiversity Officer, Ciar O Toole Senior Ecologist MARA, Minister Timmy Dooley Karin Dubsky Coastwatch-2
Water quality protection comes to the surface at Salthill workshop
kilrush district court 1
Judge rejects 'sleepwalking' defence to convict Shragh drunk driver
Premium
kilrush district court 1
Judge rejects 'sleepwalking' defence to convict Shragh drunk driver
vaughans garden centre 1
Ennis garden centre burglar led Gardaí to his home with trail of compost on footpath
clare v cork u20 26-03-25 james hegarty 2
'We have to raise our levels for Tipperary' - Fahy
clare v tipperary minor 16-04-24 conor burke 3
Brilliant Burke hits Déise for 17 as Clare minors record back to back wins
le19 gabriel keating 1
'People need to put their hand in their pocket we need more hotels in West Clare' - councillors stress need to increase overnight stays in Clare

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement