Man (70) is accused of sexual assault on boy (12) in store toilet

A 70-YEAR-OLD Limerick man has been returned for trial concerning an alleged sex assault on a 12-year-old boy in the toilets at Dunnes Stores in Ennis, Co Clare, last year.

At Ennis District Court yesterday, the man – who can’t be named for legal reasons – was returned to trial to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Court in relation to the alleged sex assault on the 12-year-old on August 25 last.

In response to arrest, charge and caution, the man replied “not guilty”.

The schoolboy was at Dunnes Stores in Ennis with his mother and the sex assault is alleged to have occurred while the boy was in the gent’s toilets at the shopping mall on O’Connell Street in the town.

The man is charged with sexual assault and the book of evidence was today served on the man.

Individuals convicted of sexual assault in the circuit court face prison terms of up to five years.

Alibi

In court, Judge Patrick Durcan told the man that if an alibi formed any part of his defence, he must notify the State within 14 days.

As part of the man’s bail conditions, he is to stay out of Ennis apart from court appearances.

Solicitor for the accused Daragh Hassett successfully applied for an easing of the signing on conditions for the man at his local Garda station.

The man has previously agreed to provide his phone number to gardaí and have no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged injured party.

The next sittings of Ennis Circuit Court are set to take place in October when the man will next appear.