Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 6902Indecent assault

High Court refuses to halt trial of former sports coach over 1970s indecent assault charges

A man in his 70s, a former sports coach, faces two counts of indecent assault over alleged offences against a boy aged 12 to 14 in the 1970s. The complainant made a complaint to gardaí in 2017, and the accused was charged in mid-2021. The accused asked the High Court to halt his trial on grounds of delay, age and health, but Mr Justice Anthony Barr refused the orders sought, clearing the way for the trial, as reported on 19 December 2023. The article does not give the county or the court where the trial will be heard.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court19 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A former sports coach in his 70s faces two counts of indecent assault.
  • It is alleged the accused put his hand into the boy's underwear and masturbated him.
  • The second alleged assault involved the accused rubbing his penis against the boy during an overnight trip.
When
The alleged offences took place in the 1970s, when the boy was aged 12 to 14.
Investigation
The complainant made a complaint to gardaí in 2017.
Charges
The accused was charged in mid-2021, about 50 years after the alleged events.
In court
  • The accused asked the High Court to halt his trial on grounds of delay, age and health, arguing he cannot get a fair trial.
  • Mr Justice Anthony Barr was satisfied the accused will not be unfairly prejudiced by the trial.
  • The judge found the accused's factors did not create a real risk of an unfair trial.
  • The judge said the accused's right to a fair trial is reserved and can be raised with the criminal court judge overseeing the hearing.
  • The High Court refused the orders sought by the accused, clearing the way for the trial.
Where
The article does not give the county or the court where the trial will be heard.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA former sports coach faces two counts of indecent assault. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe second alleged assault involved the accused rubbing his penis against the boy during an overnight trip. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe alleged assaults took place in the 1970s. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe complainant made a complaint to gardaí in 2017. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe accused was not charged until mid-2021. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe accused asked the High Court to halt his trial, arguing he cannot get a fair trial. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Justice Barr was satisfied the accused will not be unfairly prejudiced by the trial. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge found the accused's factors did not create a real risk of an unfair trial. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge refused to grant the orders sought by the accused. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Dec2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    High Court refuses to halt trial of former sports coach charged with indecent assault in 1970s

    Judicial review ruling: the High Court refused the accused's application to halt his trial on grounds of delay, age and health. The article does not give the county or the court where the trial will be heard.

    accused, 70s, malevictim, 12-14 at the time of the alleged offences, male