Man sent for trial over sexual assault of woman in Co Cork

A man has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court charged in connection with the sexual assault of a woman who was attacked whilst out walking her dog in Fermoy, Co Cork last year.

Vadim Veste (27) appeared before Fermoy District Court where he was charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a woman at St Colman's Park in Fermoy on November 7th, 2021.

Det Garda David Barry of Fermoy Garda station told Judge Alec Gabbett that he formally charged Mr Veste with aggravated sexual assault outside the courthouse in Fermoy at 10.40am. Mr Veste made no reply when the charge was put to him under caution.

Det Garda Barry said the new charge arose following directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The charge of aggravated sexual assault is contrary to Section 3 of the Criminal Law Rape Amendment Act. Two earlier lesser charges have been withdrawn against the Moldovan national who has poor English and required an interpreter in court.

Det Garda Barry said that gardaí were requesting that Mr Veste, of Clancy Park, Fermoy, Co Cork be sent forward for trial by indictment to the present sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. Det Garda Barry formally served the book of evidence on Mr Veste at the sitting of Fermoy District Court.

Judge Gabbett granted legal aid and remanded Mr Veste, who also has Romanian citizenship, in custody pending his appearance at the Central Criminal Court on an unspecified date.

Gardaí had previously objected to bail being given to Mr Veste as he has no ties to the jurisdiction.The court heard that he is a married man with children who was employed in a meat factory in Cork having moved to Ireland last year. He was living with his mother in Fermoy.