A West of Ireland priest has been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court on a charge of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy 11 years ago. At Westport District Court yesterday Judge Conal Gibbons refused jurisdiction in the case.
The judge said he felt the District Court was not appropriate for the hearing as he did not think he had the power to impose the penalty he thought would be necessary.
The defendant cannot be named at this stage for legal reasons.
Outlining the facts of the case, Supt Pat Doyle said the priest was friendly with the injured party's family and one night between August 2nd, 1991, and August 9th, 1991, the injured party, together with others, stayed in the priest's house.
The victim, who was only 10, was in the priest's bed.
Supt Doyle said he had spoken to the injured party who told him the incident had ruined his childhood. As a result he avoided contact sport and had been called a "queer" because of rumours which had circulated.
The judge adjourned the case to December 5th to allow time for the preparation of a book of evidence.