Donegal man faces 13 child cruelty charges

A Donegal man is set to stand trial on 13 charges of child cruelty.

The man, aged in his 40s, faces a total of 22 charges, including one of coercive control and two for harassment.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared for a brief hearing at Falcarragh District Court this week.

The accused faces 13 charges for cruelty to children and four for the unauthorised possession of guns and ammunition.

He faces one coercive control charge, two harassment charges.

The accused man is also charged with the possession of a stolen motorbike and a further charge of burglary.

Inspector Seamus McGonigle told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented for the man to be forward for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

A book of evidence was served on the man at Letterkenny courthouse on Wednesday.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham returned the man for trial and administered the alibi warning. A section 56 order, relating to videotapes of interviews, was made.

Legal aid was granted to solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien and two legal counsel assigned.

Publication restrictions were imposed meaning the man cannot be identified at this time.