Man in court on 47 charges of rape, assault and imprisonment of woman

A man has appeared in court in Limerick on multiple charges of raping and assaulting a woman who is alleged to have been held against her will at an apartment in the city for six days.

The man (33), who was previously charged with assault causing harm to the woman, appeared before Limerick District Court yesterday on 47 new charges arising out of the same alleged incident. These include 34 rape offences, seven counts of false imprisonment, four of assaulting her, causing her harm, and two of sexual assault.

Three locations
All of the offences are alleged to have occurred between May 3rd and 9th at three addresses in Limerick city.

Det Garda Keith Harmon said he charged the man with the new offences at 10.15am yesterday and that he replied: "That's all lies. I'm not guilty to all those charges."

Defence solicitor John Devane told the court that a letter from the woman indicating that she wished to withdraw her statement was sent to gardaí before the file was forwarded to the DPP.

He claimed the young mother, who was in court yesterday, had approached him outside saying “everything she said was lies” and that she was prepared to say that in the witness box.

Book of evidence
Judge Eugene O'Kelly said he did not see the point to this line of questioning and that the DPP was entitled to prepare a book of evidence in the case. Her evidence would form one part of the case and that ultimately it was a matter for the Central Criminal Court.

Garda Sgt Donal Cronin said the accused had already been refused bail on the assault charge, however Mr Devane indicated his client wished to apply for bail on the new charges.

Judge O’Kelly said the bail application would take considerable time and he adjourned the case until September 10th.