Former teacher charged with sexual abuse of boy (9) in Co Cork

A 76-year-old retired schoolteacher has been remanded on bail after he was charged with sexually assaulting a nine-year-old boy in a school in Co Cork over 20 years ago.

Leo Hickey was charged with eight counts of sexual assault on the young boy while teaching at Scoil Eoin Boys National School in Ballincollig, Co Cork on dates between November 1991 and June 1992.

Det Garda Donal O’Connell gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told Cork District Court that Mr Hickey replied ‘Not guilty’ when each of the charges were put to him after caution.

Insp Gary McPolin told the court the DPP had directed that the matter be sent forward for trial on indictment at circuit court level, before a judge and jury.

He said gardaí had no objection to bail once certain conditions were met including that Mr Hickey reside at his home address of Realt na Mara, Skevanish, Innishannon, Co Cork.

Gardaí were also seeking that Mr Hickey would sign on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Bandon Garda station and that he would stay away from the complainant and other witnesses.

Judge Olann Kelleher granted the application and remanded Mr Hickey on his own bond of €400 to appear again at Cork District Court on June 9th for service of the book of evidence.

The judge also granted Mr Hickey free legal aid after defence solicitor, Joe Cuddigan indicated his client did not have the financial means to pay for his own legal defence.

Mr Cuddigan said Mr Hickey was supporting his wife as she did not have a pension while he also had to meet a standing order for €100 a month on foot of a court order from Bandon.

Dressed in a grey suit and blue tie, Mr Hickey, spoke only to confirm his identity during the short hearing.