Kildare gardaí confident of progress in violent sexual assault investigation

A man arrested following the violent sexual assault of a woman in a woodland area of Co Kildare has been released.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was subjected to a sustained and violent assault on July 17th in the Moore Abbey Wood on the Kildangan Road, a popular walking spot outside Monasterevin.

The suspect, a 26-year-old from the Leinster area, was detained for questioning on Friday before being released later that day. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions pending the analysis of forensic evidence which sources said is likely to prove crucial.

The suspect is currently on bail for separate offences and has multiple previous convictions.

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The victim, a mother of one, was left badly shaken by the assault, which began in the early afternoon and lasted for several hours.

It is understood that she and her attacker knew each other and that she suffered facial injuries during the assault. She was treated for her injuries in hospital before being released.

Garda sources said on Sunday that they were confident of making progress in the investigation in the near future.

The Moore Abbey Wood is a popular walking spot and it is likely multiple witnesses saw the attacker coming and going as they enjoyed the fine weather that day. A number of potential witnesses have already spoken to investigators.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward, particularly two women who came to the aid of the victim after the attack. The force is also appealing for footage, including dashcam footage, which may have been taken in the Monasterevin area on Sunday, July 17th, between 1pm and 5.20pm.

“Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Kildare Garda station on 045 527 730, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station,” a spokesman said.