An Inishowen man has been sent forward for trial on three charges of rape to the Central Criminal Court.
The accused, who cannot be named at this stage, appeared before Buncrana District Court, where the Book of
Evidence was served upon him.
The man, who’s aged in his 20s, is charged with two counts of rape of a female in Dublin and one charge of rape in Donegal. The charges all date back to the year 2020.
Sergeant Emmet Brady told Buncrana District Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has consented for the accused to be sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court pursuant to Section 48 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1967.
Judge Patricia Cronin told the accused that she was sending him forward for trial in Dublin, and she gave him the ‘alibi warning’.
“I note that the DPP consents to the accused being sent forward for trial on indictment before the Central Criminal Court. The Book of Evidence has been served and the statutory declaration of service has been completed.”
“If you intend to rely on alibi evidence in support of your defence at the hearing of this case before the Central Criminal Court, you must give notice in writing to the State Solicitor within fourteen days. Your solicitor and barrister will explain that further to you.”
“I’m now making an order sending you forward for trial on three charges, as contained within the statement of charges in the Book of Evidence, as served upon you.
“You’ll be sent forward to trial at the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court, sitting in the CCJ in Dublin, and the date will be notified to you and to your solicitor.”
Judge Cronin also made the “usual Section 56 order”, that all recordings of interviews carried out with the accused at the Garda Station be disclosed to the defence.
The man’s solicitor Frank Dorrian was granted Legal Aid for one barrister and one senior counsel, “given the nature of the charges”.
Judge Cronin said it was an “appropriate case” to make that order.
The defendant was remanded on continuing bail and signed a bond before leaving the courtroom, acknowledging to the judge that he understood the bail terms.
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