82-year-old faces three rape charges

AN 82-year-old Limerick man has appeared before a district court sitting charged with three counts of raping a teenager, on dates between 2003 and 2004, at two locations in County Clare.

The pensioner, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with raping the female on a date unknown between May 1, 2003 and September 30, 2003 at a location in West Clare.

He is further charged with raping the same female on a date unknown between September 1, 2003 and September 30, 2003 and on a date unknown between December 25, 2003 and May 31, 2004 at a location in East Clare.

The man appeared before Judge Patrick Durcan at Ennis on Wednesday and evidence was given by Detective Garda Stephen Ryan of arresting the accused. He said the man made no reply after charge and caution.

Inspector Tom Kennedy, prosecuting, outlined the case would have to be sent forward to the Central Criminal Court and he requested an adjournment, pending the preparation of a Book of Evidence.

Judge Durcan extended time to serve the book and the defendant was remanded on his own bail bond of €500 to reappear on January 14 for service of a Book of Evidence.

Carol Byrne