Three sexual assault allegations levelled against man over alleged incident in County Kildare

Three separate sexual assault allegations were levelled at a man in Naas District Court on Thursday, March 23.

The accusations were detailed at an in-camera (in private) court session.

The defendant was not present in the courthouse when the case was heard, although defending barrister Mark Gibbons, acting on behalf of solicitor Tim Kennelly, said that the case was being 'fully contested' by the man.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was told by gardaí that a woman in County Kildare woke up in the early hours of the night on an unspecified date to find a man naked lying beside her in bed.

Her pants had been pulled down and he had his hand over one of her legs. This was the alleged first sexual assault.

The second alleged incident occurred when the man attempted to kiss her against her will.

The third alleged incident occurred later that day, when the woman fell back asleep and woke up to the man allegedly rubbing her penis on one of her arms.

It was alleged by gardaí that the man asked her to have sex with him.

After being informed about the accusations, Judge Zaidan remarked: "One allegation of sexual assault is serious, but three (is very serious)."

He refused jurisdiction over the case, citing the seriousness of the allegations against the defendant.

The judge remanded the man on continuing bail until the case returns on a date in May.

Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation tot the matter of jurisdiction are expected are on this date.