Boy (16) to stand trial accused of repeatedly raping girl

A 16-year-old Dublin boy is to stand trial accused of repeatedly raping a teenage girl.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court where he was remanded on conditional bail by Judge John O’Connor until January pending the preparation of a book of evidence.

He faces two counts of raping a named female, who is in her mid-teens, at a location in north Dublin in July of last year. It is also alleged he raped the girl, sexually assaulted her and assaulted her causing harm, at another location, a shopping centre in the vicinity, on the same day. The boy was aged 15 at the time.

The youth, who was granted legal aid, was accompanied to court by his mother and his solicitor Gareth Noble. He is yet to enter a plea.

Det Sgt Kieran Devine said the boy made no reply when the charges were put to him. The DPP has directed he must face trial on indictment at the Central Criminal Court.

Defence solicitor Mr Noble said that due to the nature of the charges submissions could not be made for the case to be kept in the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

Det Sgt Devine asked for an adjournment and there was no objection to bail provided the teenager abided by conditions. Judge O’Connor told the boy that he must obey a 10pm-8am curfew, stay away from two locations, and have no contact with the complainant or her family.