Donegal man (40s) faces Circuit Court trial on two defilement charges 

A Donegal man has been returned for trial on two defilement charges.

A book of evidence was served on the man, who appeared at Letterkenny District Court.

The man, who is in his 40s, cannot be named for legal reasons.

He faces two charges that, at a location in County Donegal, he did engage in a sexual act with a child under the age of 17. The charges, which date from 2023, are contrary to section 3 (1) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006.  

Garda Pauline Doherty told the court that she met the accused man by arrangement and served him with a book of evidence.

Sergeant Jim Collins informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented to the man being sent forward to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

Judge Emile Daly noted the service of the book and made an order returning the defendant for trial.

The alibi warning was administered and a section 56 order, in relation to videos of interviews, was also made.

The man was represented by solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher.

“We are lucky we are where we are, looking at the charges,” Mr Gallagher said. 

Legal aid was granted to Mr Gallagher and two legal counsel were assigned in the case with Judge Daly noting “the severity” of the matter.