It’s Hoped The Trial Of 7 People Accused Of Rape, Sexual Assault, And Neglect Of Children Will Go Ahead Next Month

Monday, 18 January 2021 17:36

It’s one of several trials earmarked to take place in Croke Park

It's in an effort to keep the justice system moving as best as possible during the pandemic.

Frank Greaney has this report for RedFM News:

'The accused persons can’t be identified in this case in order to protect the identities of the alleged victims, who are all children. The charges include rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, neglect and cruelty, and are alleged to have taken place on dates between 2014 and 2016. Last month, it was announced that some trials were going to be held at Croke Park this year in order to facilitate as many cases as possible. However, the latest surge of Covid-19 has resulted in the adjournment of jury trials. At a pre-trial hearing today, Mr J Paul McDermott said there was a question mark over whether this trial would go ahead next month as planned, but he decided against adjourning it until he sees how things pan out over the coming weeks. He said there was an urgency in getting trials on, especially in cases involving minors, but he said that was subject to circumstances relating to the pandemic. The case will be mentioned again next week.'