Man, 77, Charged With 79 Historical Sexual Offences Dublin

A 77-year-old man has appeared before Dublin District Court charged with 79 historical sexual offences, including 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against four girls aged between eight and 15. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981 at various locations in south Dublin. The man was extradited from the United States and arrested at Dublin Airport before being charged at Ballymun Garda Station. He appeared in court in a wheelchair and did not apply for bail, consenting to being remanded in custody until his next court appearance. The court granted him legal aid, noting he urgently required dentures and a hearing aid, which the judge ordered to be provided while in custody. A trial on indictment has been directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Central Criminal Court.