Man charged with rape at cemetery
Mainham Cemetery
A MAN who allegedly raped a woman in a cemetery car park has been sent forward for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
The man, aged in his 20s, is charged with two counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
The offences are alleged to have occurred in a Qashqai SUV in the car park of Mainham Cemetry, Clane, Co Kildare on the evening of 9 April 2023. The man has an address in Co Dublin.
“And he’s not in custody?” asked a somewhat incredulous Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court.
“And there was consent to bail?” he also asked.
Barrister Mark Gibbons began his defence by telling the court that, although his client was originally from Somalia, he did not require a translator.
Outlining the state case, Sergeant Dave Hanrahan said: “The defendant met with the injured party on the evening of 9 April 2023 by consent.
“It is alleged he drove her to Mainham Cemetery outside Clane and raped her twice. There had been some consent earlier, some kissing and touching.” “But she didn’t consent to more than that?” asked the judge.
“No, judge,” confirmed Sgt Hanrahan.
Once the book of evidence was formally handed over to Mr Gibbons, the judge gave the defendant the usual alibi warning.
This means that if the defendant intends to use an alibi in his defence, he has a fortnight in which he must notify the state.
The judge also consented to legal aid for a solicitor, as well as a senior and junior barrister.
The judge allowed for reporting some of the defendant’s details, but not to mention the injured party.
