Man (80s) faces nearly 200 allegations of rape and sexual assault in Kildare court
It was alleged the youngest victim was aged 11
A man aged in his 80s has appeared before Naas District Court on multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault.
The court heard that there are five alleged victims and some of these are his children.
Detective Garda Paul Feely told the court that the defendant remained silent when the 196 charges were put to him.
The garda said the other alleged injured parties were childhood friends with a child of the defendant.
He added that all of those affected were underage when the abuse started and “it continued on to adulthood.”
He also stated that the offences took place between 1979 and 1998.
The court was also told that the youngest victim was aged 11 and some were either late teens or aged in their early 20s.
The garda said the allegation was reported in 2023.
He described the case as “a very lengthy investigation inside and outside the jurisdiction.”
He also described the allegations as “crimes of opportunity” which occurred on multiple occasions at locations in Ireland.
The five alleged victims were present for the hearing.
Defending solicitor David Powderly said he would require a medical report to assess the defendant’s fitness for a trial in advance of a full hearing.
Judge Desmond Zaidan initially adjourned the matter for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. He also granted free legal aid to the defendant.
Addressing those present, the judge said the case would eventually be heard at the Central Criminal Court.