Evidence presented against man accused of raping girl

Yesterday, a 33-year-old man was served with a book of evidence. He is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl ten times and producing child pornography.

At the request of Sergeant Gearóid Davis, Judge Mary Dorgan transferred the case from Cork District Court to the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody last week on bail of €50,000, of which he had to pay €40,000, plus an independent surety of €40,000, of which €20,000 was paid by the defendant’s mother.

He must also report to his local Garda station three days a week and must not have any direct or indirect contact with the complainant.

Detective Garda Alan Maxwell charged the accused, who was 29 years old at the time of the alleged offences and is now 33 years old.

He is accused of ten counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of physical assault, four counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Detective Garda Alan Maxwell objected to bail on the grounds that the relationship between the accused and the complainant lasted from Christmas 2019 until July/August 2020.

“It is alleged that this was a relationship that was heavily based on sex and that the sexual activity occurred when the injured party was heavily intoxicated or unconscious during intercourse,” the detective told the court.

Mr Buttimer said there was a complaint from the complainant and a response from the defendant. The allegations were serious but this was a case where release on bail was possible.