A man charged with two counts of raping a minor earlier this year has been further remanded in custody with consent to bail.
The 44-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was brought before Galway District Court yesterday where it was revealed that the book of evidence was not yet ready for service. The accused is charged with two counts of raping a 13-year-old girl on May 16, 2010 at his home in a Galway city housing estate.
In May of this year, a day after the alleged offences took place, the District Court heard that gardai had to take “swift action” and that there were strong objections to bail. Bail was subsequently refused.
The court this week heard that bail had later been granted by the High Court but that the man has not been in a position to avail of it. Inspector Sean Glynn then informed Judge Mary Fahy that the book of evidence was not yet ready.
Defence solicitor Sarah O’Dowd expressed concerns that her client has been in custody since May 17 and that because of the delay she would be seeking a strike out of the charges. However Judge Fahy refused the application.
Inspector Glynn then said that the book of evidence would be ready for service by September 27. Judge Fahy further remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail to appear again at Galway District Court on that date.
