A man charged with three counts of rape on an elderly woman in county Longford has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Longford District Court next week.
Due to the nature of the charges and the fact that the alleged victim and offender live in close proximity to one another, Judge John Brennan ordered reporting restrictions to protect the identity of the injured party following an application from the state.
The man appeared at a sitting of Mullingar District Court this morning, charged with one count of rape under section 48 of the Offences Against a Person Act 1861, and two counts of rape under section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Ammendment) Act, 1990.
Garda Inspector Paddy McGirl told the court that the state would be objecting to bail, but Mr Frank Gearty, for the defence, indicated there would be no application for bail at this time.
It is alleged that the rape occurred on February 25, 2025, at the home of the victim. The accused is unemployed and currently on social welfare.
Judge Brennan remanded the accused in custody to Longford District Court on March 18, to appear via video link for formal DPP directions and directions on a venue for the case.