A man convicted in February of sexually assaulting seven boys in fast-food restaurants and swimming pools was in court yesterday when he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a further nine children.
James Lombard (36), from the Sunday's Well/Blarney Street area of Cork city, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday to sexually assaulting seven boys and two girls at locations in Cork city between October 1993 and July 1994.
No evidence was given on the nine latest offences to which Lombard pleaded guilty, but many took place in open green areas around the city. One took place in an entertainment complex. All the children were aged between seven and nine at the time.
Barrister for the State Marjorie Farrelly told Judge Seán Ó Donnabhain that all the injured parties in the latest charges wanted to remain anonymous, but had no problem with Lombard being named.
Lombard's barrister Dermot Sheehan asked for an adjournment to allow his client be psychiatrically assessed. The judge questioned why this was not done over the past six weeks when Lombard was taken into custody.
Mr Sheehan said Lombard had met with consultant psychiatrist Dr David Dunne for 10 minutes, but he became so upset as he recalled his behaviour that Dr Dunne was unable to have a meaningful conversation with him.
Ms Farrelly said the State was seeking victim impact statements on the latest nine victims, and it would suit the State to have an adjournment.
Judge Ó Donnabhain adjourned the case to April 29th.