Dublin Sexual Assault Case: Man Faces Second Charge, Claims Victim Stated She Was 18
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A 26-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in west Dublin now faces a second count of the same charge, as revealed during his fifth hearing at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday. The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, maintains the girl told him she was 18 and that their interaction was limited to a kiss.
Initial Charges and Psychiatric Evaluation
The man was initially charged with sexual assault of a female at Garter Lane in Saggart on October 20th, 2025. Authorities confirmed the girl had been missing from care prior to the alleged incident. Last month, Judge Alan Mitchell was informed that a subsequent psychiatric assessment determined the man was fit to stand trial, paving the way for the legal proceedings to continue.
New Allegations and the Accused’s Account
During Wednesday’s hearing, Garda Sgt. Sinead Connolly presented a second charge of sexual assault involving the same complainant, alleging the incident occurred at a location near Garter Lane. In response to the new charge, and after being cautioned, the man reportedly told Sgt. Connolly: “I spoke to my solicitor and told him she sat beside me; you can check the CCTV. She started talking to me and I asked her her age, she told me she was 18. I just kissed her.”
Prosecution and Evidence Gathering
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the case proceed to trial in the Circuit Court. However, the prosecution must first compile and serve a book of evidence before the case can be moved to the higher court. Sgt. Connolly indicated the book of evidence is expected to be completed within approximately six weeks.
Court Proceedings and Legal Representation
The courtroom was cleared and an Arabic interpreter was provided to assist the accused during the hearing. Dressed in a white T-shirt and grey tracksuit pants, the man confirmed he understood the new charge and stated “okay” when asked if he intended to apply for bail. Judge Mitchell noted the relatively swift turnaround of the DPP’s directions, commenting that it was unusually fast, typically taking three months instead of the two months it took in this case. Legal aid was granted to the accused, who has not yet entered a plea.
The judge remanded the man in custody, scheduling his next appearance via video link for December 23rd. At his initial hearing on October 21st, the accused responded to the charges with a simple statement: “I have nothing to say.” The defense is required to provide 48 hours’ notice to gardaí should they decide to submit a bail application.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
Following the alleged assault, significant civil unrest erupted in Citywest, Dublin, resulting in over 30 arrests. Gardaí sustained injuries, and a Garda vehicle was completely destroyed by fire. Court prosecutions related to the unrest are already underway, while a separate investigation continues to identify additional individuals involved in the disturbances.
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