THE State has decided not to proceed with a charge of attempted rape against a Mayo man who admitted sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.
Last month, the 22-year-old defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sexually assaulting the girl on June 10th, 1996.
However, he pleaded not guilty to the second charge of attempting to rape her on the same occasion and the case was adjourned pending a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether to press that charge.
Mr Brendan Grehan, prosecuting, told the court yesterday that the DPP had decided the plea to sexual assault was acceptable and the case could proceed to sentence.
Mr Gerard Clarke SC, defending, said the procedures for obtaining reports for the court on both his client and the victim were underway.
Mr Justice Flood agreed to adjourn the case to July 4th next with the defendant on continuing bail.
