Historic allegation of teenager raping child heard in Kildare court

An alleged incidence of rape which was allegedly committed by a then-teenage boy in Kildare was heard in Naas District Court on Wednesday, May 16 last.

The man, who is now an adult, appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan in the court, in which he was charged with one count of raping a then-child who was known to him, as well as facing four counts of indecent assault allegedly committed against the same then-child.

It was heard that the alleged injured party is now an adult.

Judge Zaidan remarked that the allegations were 'very serious.'

The man’s solicitor, David Powderly, told the court that his client 'strenuously denies' ever committing the offences.

Bail was granted for the accused based on a number of conditions: he must surrender his passport; he must provide his phone number to gardaí and be contactable at all times; he must sign on twice weekly at his local garda station; his must lodge his own bond of €500; and he must stay away from a particular region in County Kildare (this area was specified to the defendant by gardaí present in the courtroom).

As the two parties are known to each other, Judge Zaidan imposed reporting restrictions on the case, to protect the identity of the alleged injured party.

The judge adjourned the matter to a date in June, to allow time for the preparation of a book of evidence.

He also gave both parties liberty to re-enter the case at short notice.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Samaritans Ireland at [email protected] or by ringing 116 123, as well as by visiting pieta.ie (Free 24/7 Crisis helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).

You can also find additional resources at the Rape Crisis Centre at http://drcc.ie.

For resources relating to young people who are concerned about sexual violence, please visit https://www.childline.ie/