A Waterford judge has accepted jurisdiction in the case of a man accused of groping a young girl several years ago.
The man cannot be named for legal reasons. The case was heard at an in-camera (closed to public) sitting of Waterford District Court before Judge Kevin Staunton in February.
The accused was brought before the court on a charge of sexual assault, contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that the alleged victim in the case, who is now aged in her 20s, reported to Gardaí that she had been assaulted at the age of 12.
It was alleged that a man, who was identified as the accused, came into the injured party’s room one night and got into bed behind her. He allegedly put his hands on her back, went lower inside her underwear, and started rubbing her buttocks.
Sgt. Phelan said that the accused is known to the alleged victim’s father, and told her that he had “too much to drink” on the night.
Judge Staunton decided to accept jurisdiction in the case, meaning it will be heard at the District Court, and put it back to 24 March next, when it will be mentioned again.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
