Defendant in Kildare court ‘vehemently denies’ ever raping his sister-in-law

REPORTING RESTRICTIONS

A Naas District Court defendant 'vehemently denies' ever raping his sister-in-law when she was a juvenile.

The man, who appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan on Thursday, September 12 last, pleaded not guilty to nine charges of sexual assault and one charge of rape, all of which gardaí allege were committed in County Kildare on a number of dates.

A garda who was sworn in told the judge that the alleged injured party was aged between 11 and 15 years of age during the time of the offence.

BAIL CONDITIONS

Judge Zaidan agreed to grant bail for the man under the following conditions: he has been placed on a €1,000 bond; he must sign on weekly at his local garda station; he must surrender his passport to gardaí and must not apply for any alternate travel documents; and he must have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged injured party, as well as any and all State witnesses.

The judge also gave gardaí liberty to re-enter the case at short notice.

He decided to impose reporting restrictions over the case due to the sensitive nature of the accusations.

'EXTREMELY UPSET BY THESE ALLEGATIONS'

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told Judge Zaidan that his client wants it to on the record that he 'vehemently denies' ever committing the offences.

"He is extremely upset by these allegations," Mr Kennelly added.

Judge Zaidan remanded the defendant on continuing bail until the case resumes on a date in October.

A book of evidence is expected to be served by gardaí on the accused on this date.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie or by ringing 116 123, as well as by visiting pieta.ie (Free 24/7 Crisis helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).

You can also find additional resources at the Rape Crisis Centre at http://drcc.ie.

For resources relating to young people who are concerned about sexual violence, please visit https://www.childline.ie/.