A Mayo man who twice pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexually assaulting a woman and who changed his plea to guilty at the second day of the trial yesterday, has been remanded in custody until next Friday for sentencing.
Thomas Lydon (37), of Carne, Charlestown, was arraigned on three occasions at Castlebar Circuit Court sitting in Westport. Mr John O'Dwyer, solicitor for Lydon, informed Judge Carroll Moran on the first two occasions that a jury would not be required. However, when charged with sexual assault in November 1998, Lydon pleaded not guilty.
He finally pleaded guilty after his victim had given evidence and had been subject to cross-examination.