Teen charged with sexual assault of young girl in the Midlands sent forward for trial

A teenager accused of sexually assaulting a young girl thirteen months ago has been sent forward to stand trial.

The 18 year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons and has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, appeared at Longford District Court last week.

The first offence allegedly occurred on April 4, 2024 at an address in County Longford.

The second offence allegedly happened on a different date and time but at the same location.

Detective Garda Donal McDermott said when both charges were put to the defendant he made no reply.

The court heard there was no State objection to bail, subject to certain conditions.

Defence solicitor Anthony Feeney, who applied for a disclosure order and all of the State evidence, said that those conditions had been agreed with the prosecution.

Sgt Enda Daly informed Judge Bernadette Owens the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented for the defendant to be sent forward to the Circuit Criminal Court to stand trial.

Mr Feeney applied for legal aid on behalf of his client, who is on social welfare, and it was approved.

Judge Owens decided to remand the accused on bail subject to strict conditions, which included living at his home address, signing on twice weekly at a garda station and abiding by a 10pm to 6am curfew.

The accused was also directed not to enter a specific housing estate.

Judge Owens then adjourned the case until June 17 for the book of evidence.