Athlone rape accused sent forward for trial

A man in his 40s, charged with raping a woman in June, has been served with a book of evidence and sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

Garda Niall Cahill of Athlone Garda Station gave evidence in Athlone District Court of serving the book of evidence on the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Sergeant Paul McNally indicated that the DPP had directed the man be returned for trial, on the single charge of rape, to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

The rape is alleged to have occurred at a location in Athlone on June 15 or this year.

Ross Nestor BL, defending, said that no application for bail would be made at this stage but an application for legal aid was granted for solicitor and two counsel.

Judge Bernadette Owens gave the accused an alibi warning and remanded him in custody to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.