The priest Brendan Smyth, may be sentenced as early as next month for 74 offences of indecent and sexual assault following his guilty pleas at Dublin District Court yesterday. The court was told the 71 year old Norbertine priest had signed guilty pleas in respect of offences committed in seven different counties between 1969 and 1991.
Mr Denis Moloney, defending, said the defence was ready for an early trial and wished to have a date set for next month.
A book of evidence was served by a State Solicitor, Ms Claire Galligan, who said the case would go ahead as soon as possible.
Judge Desmond Hogan remanded Smyth in custody to appear again at the next sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court.