A MAN who admitted indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl told her a fire would start in her stomach and she would die if she told anyone about the attack, Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court has heard.
The Co Louth man admitted the assault on a date unknown in May 1987.
In her statement to Garda Ann Byrne, Drogheda, which was made in May 1994, the girl said the man pulled at her clothes and tried to have intercourse with her.
Mr Kevin Seagrave, for the DPP, said the girl had suffered very considerable psychological damage.
Mr Roderick O'Hanlon, for the defendant, said the matter had been brought to the attention of the health board in 1988 and the defendant had gone to see a psychologist. He admitted the offence and had complied with all the directions of the health board.
Garda Sgt Joseph Grennan, Drogheda, said that in his statement to gardai, the defendant bad said 80 per cent of what was stated by the girl was untrue and what happened was a "frantic grab" by him.
Mr O'Hanlon said the offence had occurred 10 years ago, the summons was received in 1994 and the defendant was extremely remorseful. There was clear evidence of rehabilitation and he was the father of a happy and stable family, he added.
Judge Patrick Smith remanded the man in custody to the same court on Friday for sentencing.