Accused says historic indecent assault charges are ‘complete lies’

AN 89-year-old man appeared at Portlaoise District Court last week on 44 counts of indecent assaults that allegedly took place on dates between 1978 to 1988 in a location in Laois.

The man, who cannot be identified by order of the court, appeared before Judge Andrew Cody, where Detective Garda Elaine Conlon gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

She said that when the charges were put to the defendant he replied: “I deny every one of them, they are complete lies.” Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client is currently serving a prison sentence and is due to be released in 2027.

Judge Cody adjourned the matter to 6 October for the service of a book of evidence and approved free legal aid in the case.