Thursday 29 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. 9486Rape · Co. Laois

Man accused of historic rape and indecent assault in Laois appears in Portlaoise court

A 56-year-old man with an Offaly address has been accused of four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault at a location in Laois between September 1, 1987 and September 1, 1988. He appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where he made no reply to the charges when cautioned, and the DPP directed that he be sent forward for trial on indictment. The judge deferred the issue of legal aid. The latest development is that he was remanded on bail to appear again on July 20 for service of the book of evidence.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court20 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 56-year-old man has appeared in court accused of rape and indecent assault.
Where
The alleged offences took place at a location in Laois.
When
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between September 1, 1987 and September 1, 1988.
Charges
The accused faces four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.
In court
  • The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court and reported on May 20, 2026.
  • The man made no reply to the charges when cautioned.
  • The DPP directed that the accused be sent forward for trial on indictment.
  • Garda Sergeant Colin O'Leary addressed the court on the case.
  • The judge deferred the issue of legal aid.
Sentence
The accused was remanded on bail to appear again on July 20 for service of the book of evidence.
Other details
  • The accused has an Offaly address.
  • The reports do not describe the alleged victim.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man has appeared in court accused of rape and indecent assault. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe alleged offences took place at a location in Laois. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offences are said to have occurred between September 1, 1987 and September 1, 1988. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused faces four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe man made no reply to the charges when cautioned. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed that the accused be sent forward for trial on indictment. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge deferred the issue of legal aid. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe accused was remanded on bail to appear again on July 20 for service of the book of evidence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused has an Offaly address. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 May2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man before Portlaoise District Court accused of rape

    First report of this case. Adds the charges, the 1987-1988 date range, the DPP direction to send the case forward for trial on indictment, and the bail and adjournment to July 20.

    accused, 56, male