Olivia Kelleher
A 42-year-old man has appeared before Cork District Court on a coercion charge relating to an alleged approach to an 11-year-old girl in Mahon in the city in July of last year.
Det Garda Bryan Murphy told the court that a charge of coercion was being brought against the man under the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
The particulars allege that the defendant acted on July 27th 2020 with a view to compelling the complainant to abstain from doing an act which she had a legal right to do, without lawful authority.
No background details were given in outline of the alleged circumstances that gave rise to the particular charge being taken against the accused.
Judge Olann Kelleher today sent the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, forward for trial to the current sittings of Cork Circuit Criminal Court. A date for his trial will be fixed this Thursday.
Opts for trial
The man was remanded on continuing bail with the strict condition that he stay away from all boys and girls under the age of 18 who are not known to him.
Detective Garda Bryan Murphy previously told the court that the defendant replied when the charge was put to him “I did not do this. I am surprised.”
Sergeant John Kelleher said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed trial on indictment on the coercion charge.
The DPP had also consented to the accused entering a guilty plea at Cork District Court and being sent forward for sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
The defendant today opted for a trial and will formally enter a not guilty plea when he is arraigned in the Circuit Court.
Judge Kelleher imposed reporting restrictions amid concern that the naming of the defendant in the case could lead to identification of the child.
Bail conditions
There was no objection to the accused being remanded on bail, but he must continue to adhere to stringent bail conditions.
The man is not allowed to access greenways or walkways in the Cork city area. He has also been ordered to stay away from the area in which the alleged offence occurred and from where the young girl resides.
He is forbidden from leaving the jurisdiction, has to sign daily at his local Garda station, provide his mobile phone number to Gardaí and stay away from the area where the complainant lives.
He has also been ordered not to approach any female or male under the age of 18 unknown to him.
Judge Kelleher has granted free legal aid in the case. A Book of Evidence has also been prepared.
