Retrial ordered in assault case

A retrial has been ordered in the case of a West of Ireland pensioner accused of indecently assaulting a schoolgirl. The jury at Sligo Circuit Court yesterday failed to reach a verdict after 2 1/2 hours after hearing four days' evidence. The court was told the 69-year-old married man had fondled and kissed the then 15 1/2-year-old alleged victim when she visited him on his farm. The accused man said he had suffered from chronic brucellosis and had had no interest in sex for 25 years.