An American chiropractor with a clinic in Galway city who is charged with sexually assaulting six of his female patients was granted bail at Galway District Court yesterday.
Mr Joseph Stone (39), who operated a clinic for people with back problems at Lower Newcastle Road, Galway, denied six charges of sexual assault under Section 2 of the Rape Amendment Act 1990, involving six women patients, on dates between July 24th 1999 and March 13th last. Mr Stone also denied one charge of physical assault against one of the women.
Mr Stone first appeared before Galway District Court last week on four counts of sexual assault. On that occasion, Garda Mary Anne O'Boyle gave evidence she believed Mr Stone would abscond if given bail.
At yesterday's court, Mr Stone was further charged with two more counts of sexual assault involving two other women.
Mr Stone, who had been in custody since his first court appearance, was granted bail after a window cleaner, Mr Gerry Byrne, Glenview Drive, Riverside lodged £10,000 bail money in court.
Judge John Garavan granted bail on condition that Mr Stone hand in his and his wife's passports, continue to reside at his Galway address and sign on daily at Galway Garda Station. Insp. Tom O'Brien looked for a lengthy adjournment because a book of evidence had to be prepared. Judge Garavan ordered Mr Stone to appear before the court again on May 25th.