A letter written to the DPP by the female companion of a Portuguese national facing sentence for raping and buggering a Dublin woman in 1998 has led to the withdrawal of his solicitor from the case.
Mr Justice Kinlen at the Central Criminal Court was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions might decide to have gardai carry out investigations as a result of the letter.
The 42-year-old single man was due for sentence when this was revealed. His counsel, Mr Felix McEnroy SC, said the letter's contents were rightfully revealed to a defence solicitor, Mr Conleth Pendred, by the Chief State Solicitor's office.
Mr McEnroy said Mr Pendred contacted the man and felt it would not be in anybody's interest if he stayed in the case.
The man, who has an address at Rathmines, Dublin, pleaded guilty almost a year ago. His case has been adjourned several times while he underwent treatment at the Central Mental Hospital.
The case was adjourned for mention again today.