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. 4331Rape, sexual assault, sexual touching (inviting/inducing) · Co. Dublin

Teenage boy facing 19 rape counts sent to Central Criminal Court for trial

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of sexually abusing another boy under 15 in Dublin. The alleged offences began when he was 10 and ran from 2020 to 2023, and he faces 27 charges, including 19 counts of rape. He appeared at Dublin Children's Court, which sent him forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court, with bail conditions barring contact with the other boy or his family, as reported on 15 December 2025. Judge Paul Kelly ruled that all charges should be heard together, a book of evidence was served and a return for trial order was granted, and no plea has yet been entered.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court15 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A boy aged 15, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of sexual abuse of another boy under 15.
Where
The alleged offences took place in Dublin over more than three years.
When
The offences are alleged to have started when the defendant was 10 and were committed between 2020 and 2023.
Charges
He is charged with 27 offences: 19 counts of rape of another boy on different dates, seven counts of sexually assaulting the same boy, and one count of inviting or inducing a boy under 15 to take part in sexual touching under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.
Investigation
Gardaí were ordered to provide copies of interview videos to the defence.
In court
  • He appeared at Dublin Children's Court and was sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
  • The court set bail conditions, including that he not contact the other boy or his family.
  • A Section 75 Children Act preliminary ruling considered whether the non-rape charges should be dealt with separately in juvenile court.
  • Judge Paul Kelly ruled that all the charges should be heard together.
  • A book of evidence was served on the teenager, and Judge Kelly granted a return for trial order.
Other details
  • The teenager was granted legal aid, including senior counsel representation.
  • He must notify prosecutors if he intends to use an alibi in his defence.
  • No plea has been entered.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe defendant is a teenage boy, now 15, who cannot be named for legal reasons. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe offences are alleged to have commenced when the defendant was 10 years old. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí were ordered to provide copies of interview videos to the defence. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe charges include 19 counts of rape of another boy on different dates. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe charges include seven counts of sexually assaulting the same boy. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeOne charge is under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 for inviting or inducing another boy under 15 to take part in sexual touching. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtHe was sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe court set bail conditions including that he not contact the other boy or his family. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtA Section 75 Children Act preliminary ruling was held to consider whether the non-rape charges should be dealt with separately in juvenile court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Paul Kelly ruled that all the charges should be heard together. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtA book of evidence was served on the teenager and Judge Kelly granted a return for trial order. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherNo plea has been entered. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe teenager was granted legal aid including senior counsel representation. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHe must notify prosecutors if he intends to use an alibi in his defence. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Dec2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Teenage boy facing 19 rape counts sent to Central Criminal Court for trial

    Reports the Dublin Children's Court hearing where the 15-year-old defendant was sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court on 27 charges spanning 2020–2023, including a Section 75 Children Act preliminary ruling on trial venue.

    suspect, 15, malevictim, under 15, male