A man accused of raping a 13 year old girl in County Meath was remanded in custody when he appeared before at a special sitting of Dundalk District Court on Saturday evening. The 34 year old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with committing the alleged offence on October 12th 2024 and is further charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm.
A Detective Garda from the Divisional Protective Services Unit, who gave evidence of arresting the defendant and charging him at Mountjoy Garda Station on Friday said the defendant made no reply when the charges were put to him after caution. The court also heard the DPP has directed trial on indictment in the Central Criminal Court.in respect of both charges before the court.
After hearing an outline of the allegations, during the contested bail hearing, Defence solicitor Maurice Regan asked for an opportunity to have a further consultation with his client. When the case resumed, Judge Coggans was told that the Defence would not be proceeding with the application at this time.
Judge Coggans then remanded the defendant in custody to Drogheda District Court on Tuesday. At the request of the investigating garda, the Defence was directed to give 24 hours notice of any further bail application.
