Extradited man (38) returned for trial on hundreds of alleged sexual offences

A man wanted in connection with almost 400 alleged sexual offences against minors and who was extradited from the United States appeared at a special midlands court sitting on Friday evening.

The 38-year-old was returned for trial when he appeared at the court where details of the 394 charges against him were relayed before Judge Kevin Kilraine.

They include 177 alleged counts of Section 4 rape, 210 alleged sexual assaults, three allegations of assaults causing harm and one count each of alleged attempted rape, harassment, false imprisonment and criminal damage.

All of the offences allegedly took place between 2004 and 2009 and involved two alleged victims.

Two books of evidence relating to the charges were served on the accused prior to the court sitting.

Detective Garda Damien McGovern said he executed 394 arrest warrants on the defendant at Dublin Airport shortly after 8:30am on Friday.

Later at approximately 10:15am he said he formally arrested and charged the man.

State solicitor Mark Connellan said it was the State's application to return the defendant to the Central Criminal Court for trial in relation to the larger book of evidence.

A separate application concerning 21 charges in a more condensed book of evidence was made for the defendant to to be returned for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court on April 30

An application for bail was made by the defendant's solicitor Frank Gearty. It was denied by Judge Kilraine due to the "extremely serious" nature of the charges which were before the court.

A further order, compelling the media to refrain from identifying the defendant in case such a move could possibly identify both, or either alleged victims in the case, was also made.

The defendant, who was wearing a black jumper and trousers, was also given the alibi warning - that he must provide to the state within 14 days details of any alibi he intends to rely on in the course of his trial.

Judge Kilraine granted a request made by Mr Gearty for his client to receive "general medical attention" while in custody in Castlerea prison.

A federal court in upstate New York granted an extradition request for the man in February. He was wanted for questioning over the alleged sexual assault and rape of two minors, mostly at a GAA ground in the midlands, between 2004 and 2009.