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. 7261Indecent assault · Co. Dublin

Man in 70s sent forward for trial over historical sex offences

A man in his 70s, who cannot be named, faces 79 allegations of indecent assault and attempted rape against four girls aged eight to 15. The offences are alleged to have taken place at various locations in Co Dublin, including Dún Laoghaire, Killiney and Blackrock, between 1971 and 1981 (one source says the 1970s and 1980s). Gardaí arrested him at Terminal 2, Dublin Airport, on 22 July 2025. On 29 July 2025 Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court granted a return for trial order, with the DPP consenting to him being sent forward on indictment; he has not entered a plea, remains in custody, and will be tried at the Central Criminal Court in the legal term starting in October.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court29 Jul
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • The man faces 79 allegations relating to the sexual abuse of four girls.
  • The girls were minors aged between eight and 15 at the time of the alleged offences.
Where
The offences are alleged to have occurred at various locations in Co Dublin, including Dún Laoghaire, Killiney and Blackrock.
When
  • The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1971 and 1981; one source describes them as taking place in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • The man was arrested at Terminal 2, Dublin Airport, on the morning of 22 July 2025.
Charges
  • The charges include 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.
  • The charges are broken down as 41 counts of indecent assault and one attempted rape against one complainant, 34 counts of indecent assault against another, two counts against a third, and one count against the fourth.
  • The offences are contrary to Common Law.
In court
  • On 29 July 2025 Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court granted a return for trial order at the request of State solicitor Rory Staines.
  • The DPP consented to the man being sent forward on indictment on the 79 charges in the book of evidence served by Garda Sergeant Amy Kelly.
  • The man has not yet entered a plea and was remanded in continuing custody pending trial, with no bail application made.
  • The trial will be held at the Central Criminal Court in the next legal term, commencing in October.
Investigation
The judge ordered investigating gardaí to provide copies of interview videos to the defence.
Other details
  • The man must inform the prosecution within 14 days if he intends to use an alibi.
  • Legal aid was granted because the man is not working and has no assets.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatAt the time of the offences, the girls were minors aged between eight and 15. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe offences allegedly occurred at various locations in Co Dublin, including Dún Laoghaire, Killiney, and Blackrock. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe man was arrested at Terminal 2, Dublin Airport on the morning of 22 July 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe offences allegedly occurred between 1971 and 1981. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeHe faces 79 allegations relating to the sexual abuse of four girls in Ireland during the 1970s and 1980s. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe charges include 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe charges are broken down as 41 counts of indecent assault and one attempted rape of one complainant, 34 counts of indecent assault of another, two counts of another, and one of the fourth. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe offences are contrary to Common Law. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court granted a return for trial order. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe DPP consented to the man being sent forward on indictment on the 79 charges. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe man has not yet entered a plea and was remanded in continuing custody pending trial with no bail application made. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial will be held at the Central Criminal Court in the next legal term commencing in October. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge ordered investigating gardaí to provide copies of interview videos to the defence. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe man must inform the prosecution within 14 days if he intends to use an alibi. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherLegal aid was granted as the man is not working and has no assets. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 29 Jul2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Man in 70s sent forward for trial accused of historical sex offences

    Details of the return for trial hearing at Dublin District Court, the man's arrest at Terminal 2 Dublin Airport, the full breakdown of 79 charges across four complainants, and his physical condition in custody (wheelchair, no dentures, no hearing aid).

    accused, 70s, malevictim, femalevictim, femalevictim, femalevictim, female