Retired teacher to go on trial for sexual abuse of boy (9) in Co Cork

A 76-year-old retired schoolteacher from West Cork has been returned for trial by judge and jury after he was charged with sexually assaulting a nine-year-old boy in a school over 20 years ago.

Leo Hickey was charged with eight counts of sexual assault on the young boy while teaching at Scoil Eoin Boys National School in Ballincollig, Co Cork on dates between November 1991 and June 1992.

Today at Cork District Court, Insp Gary McPolin confirmed that a book of evidence in the case against Mr Hickey had been served on the accused by investigating officer, Det Garda Donal O'Connell.

Insp McPolin said that the DPP had directed trial on indictment and he applied to have Mr Hickey returned for trial during the October sittings of Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Olann Kelleher granted the application and remanded Mr Hickey from Realt na Mara, Skevanish, Innishannon on bail to appear at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on October 24th next.

Last month Det Garda Donal O’Connell gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Hickey replied “not guilty” when each of the charges were put to him after caution.

Judge Kelleher had earlier granted MrHickey free legal aid after defence solicitor Joe Cuddigan indicated that his client did not have the financial means to pay for his own legal defence.

Mr Cuddigan said that Mr Hickey was supporting his wife as she did not have a pension while he also had to meet a standing order for € 100 a month on foot of a court order from Bandon.