84-year-old is charged with 50 assaults on children

AN 84-year-old man has appeared in court on 50 charges of indecently assaulting children at locations in Galway county, including a primary school.

The man is alleged to have committed the offences against seven alleged victims on various dates in the late Seventies and early Eighties.

In total, he faces 50 charges of indecent assault at locations in Galway, including a boys’ national school and a monastery.

Detective Garda Enda Dowling told Galway District Court he arrested the accused for the purpose of charge at Galway Courthouse.

Sergeant Christy Browne handed into court evidence of the 50 charges against the accused and the court heard the man made no reply to any of the charges after caution.

Sergeant Browne said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Criminal Court, with consent for the accused to be sent forward on a signed plea, should it arise.

There was no objection to bail subject to the accused abiding by conditions.

The man was told he must sign on at his local Garda station, provide a mobile phone number and reside at his given address.

He also undertook not to apply for a passport or any travel documents.

Judge Valerie Corcoran granted solicitor Brian Gilmartin's application for legal aid.

The man was remanded in bail to appear again at Galway District Court again on March 16.

The case is subject to reporting restrictions.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.