Rape accused must avoid school at break times

A WEST Cork man charged with the rape of a female almost three years ago has been told to stay away from a local secondary school at break times.

The man, who cannot be named, is alleged to have committed the offence on waste ground.

At Clonakilty District Court last week, Sgt Kevin Long said he arrested the accused earlier that morning and conveyed him to Clonakilty Garda Station where he cautioned him and he made no reply to the charge.

Sgt Trish O’Sullivan told Judge John King that the Director of Public Prosecutions has consented to the man being returned for trial on indictment.

As part of his bail conditions, Judge King directed that the defendant must surrender his passport or any travel documents, and give an undertaking not to apply for any replacements. He must also abide by a curfew between 10pm and 6am and sign on at a named garda station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 10am and 9pm. 

He must also have a mobile phone on him which must be charged at all times and he must provide the number to gardaí so that he is contactable at all times.

Judge King also directed that the accused have no contact – either directly or indirectly – with the alleged injured party or her family, or be seen on the route between a town and a named secondary school, when children are walking to and from school and during school lunch breaks.

Judge King remanded the man on bail in his own bond of €300 with no cash required, plus he approved one independent surety of €1,000 cash, which was put up by the defendant’s mother. She promised Judge King she would contact gardaí if her son does not abide by the curfew conditions set down by the court.

The man was then remanded on bail to appear again at Clonakilty District Court on September 17th.