AN 82-year-old priest has been sent forward for trial on two charges of sexually assaulting a boy in the west of Ireland more than four decades ago.The priest appeared before Loughrea District Court in Co Galway yesterday charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year old boy at separate locations in the west of Ireland in 1968.
The priest, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Galway Circuit Criminal Court next month.
The priest, who was remanded on continuing bail, will appear before Galway Circuit Criminal Court on October 5th.
Insp Michael Coppinger gave evidence of serving the accused man with a book of evidence prior to yesterday’s sitting of Loughrea District Court.
The priest had been granted bail at a previous court sitting in July despite Garda objections.
He had arrived in Ireland in July on foot of an extradition warrant.
Defending solicitor Vincent Shannon told a previous court hearing that his client suffered from a number of ailments and had mobility difficulties.
Mr Shannon said suitable accommodation had been found for him in Dublin and the priest would remain there until his trial.
The accused priest, wearing black trousers, striped shirt and jacket, did not speak during the brief hearing yesterday in Loughrea.
Judge Geoffrey Browne remanded the defendant on existing bail on his own surety of €2,400 and an independent surety of €10,000.
The priest had been ordered to surrender his passport at a previous court hearing and report weekly to a Garda station in Dublin close to the address where he will reside.
SIC: IT/IE