A 28-year-old man appeared in Athlone District Court yesterday charged with the assault, rape and false imprisonment of a 12-yearold girl. Det Sgt Tom Bennett gave evidence of arrest, charges and caution.
He told the court that on September 21st, 1997, the accused took the young girl to a remote area of Athlone where he assaulted and raped her and then threatened that if she went to the gardai he would "get her".
According to Det Sgt Bennett, he repeated the threat to the gardai that he would get her.
During the hearing, which lasted about 15 minutes, the accused, who wore a suit and open neck shirt, sat in the custody box with his head in his hands. His parents sat solemnly in the body of the court.
Solicitor, Ms Lorna Groake, appearing for the defendant, said he has no previous convictions and has never appeared in court before. He comes from a respectable family, she said.
Ms Groake asked that the defendant be released on bail. She added that the defendant gave his word that he would not in any way interfere "next, nigh or near" the girl or her family.
She said that she has initiated a psychological evaluation of the defendant.
Insp Padraig Rhattigan, appearing for the State, objected to bail being granted due to the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the accused threatened the girl if she went to the gardai.
Judge Mary Fahy refused the application of bail saying that she would be concerned because the victim is of such a tender age.
The man was remanded in custody to appear at Athlone District Court at 11 a.m. next Friday.