A 71 year old priest who was extradited from Northern Ireland on 74 charges of indecent and sexual assault against young children has been remanded in custody. The man, who cannot be named, appeared at a special sitting of Dublin District Court last night charged with committing the offences against 20 injured parties in the State between 1969 and 1991.
Det Insp Thomas Dixon told the court the accused man replied: "I understand the charges. I have nothing further, to say at this time", when the warrants were read to him at Bridewell Garda Station.
Defence solicitor Mr Denis Maloney said the accused was anxious for an early trial and always intended to make himself available to the Southern authorities. He was remanded in custody until Wednesday.