A LEITRIM man who admitted sexually assaulting three of his children will learn today if he can revert to a plea of not guilty. On February 24th the 36 year old defendant pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his two daughters and a son on one occasion each on dates in 1992-93. All the victims were under 15 at the time.
Earlier this month his legal team was allowed to withdraw from the case after Mr Barry White SC said his client wanted to resile from his guilty pleas. Mr Brendan Grehan told the Central Criminal Court yesterday he was now acting for the defence.
Mr George Birmingham, prosecuting, said the State would oppose any attempt to withdraw the guilty pleas. Mr Birmingham agreed with Mr Justice Flood that there appeared to be no precedent in Irish law of a court refusing such a move. The judge said he had been a prosecutor for 25 years and a High Court judge for six and had never known a plea change to be refused.
But he would not predetermine his decision and he adjourned the case overnight to allow counsel to prepare submissions.