Man accused of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in the Midlands

A book of evidence was served on a man who is accused of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in Laois. 

The man (31), who has a Laois address and cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

He is accused of two counts of rape, two counts of assault causing harm and six counts of sexual assault at an address in Laois on August 28, 2022.  

Garda Lisa Murray said she served the book of evidence on the accused in the courthouse. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that the case be sent forward to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court on the ten charges in the book of evidence. 

Judge Susan Fay issued the standard alibi warning and directed that the case be sent forward to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court.  She granted legal aid for one solicitor and two counsel for the defendant. 

Judge Fay imposed reporting restrictions and granted bail subject to a number of conditions. These included that the accused obey a curfew, provide a contact number where he is always contactable and that he has no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged injured party.