Man charged with sex offences may never stand trial

A court has heard that a man accused of historical sex offences may never stand trial due to ill health.

A Book of Evidence was due to be served on the defendant in relation to more than a dozen counts of alleged sexual and indecent assault.

The case was listed before Judge Raymond Finnegan at last Thursday’s sitting of Cavan District Court, July 27.

The man, who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, is charged with a total of 16 offences - four separate counts of sexual assault on female, and 12 more counts of indecent assault on the same person.

A Book of Evidence in the case was due to be served on the defendant.

However, Judge Finnegan was informed that the man is, at present, receiving medical treatment in a hospital Intensive Care Unit.

It was further stated by the man’s legal counsel that, even if he becomes well enough for service of the book to take place, it was uncertain if he would be fit enough to stand trial at a later stage.

The alleged offences before the court date back almost 35 years.

The four counts of sexual assault are alleged to have occurred over a period of close to eight months back in 1991.

The 12 other counts of indecent assault start on a date in January 1988, and continue through over a four-year period to the end of 1990.

Judge Finnegan extended time for service of the Book of Evidence to take place, and adjourned the case for listing again after the summer recess.