Cousins from Limerick to face trial for double rape of teenage girl

TWO cousins from Limerick were granted bail after they appeared in court charged with the double rape of a teenage girl almost two years ago.

The cousins, who are aged 23 and 24, appeared before Ennis District Court on Tuesday where evidence was given relating to their arrest and charge.

Both were arrested at a garda station in Limerick before before being brought to Ennis garda station prior to the court sitting.

The rape offences are alleged to have occurred on April 22, 2017 at a location in north County Clare. The alleged injured party was aged under 15 at the time.

The 23-year-old defendant, faces a total of four charges including rape. He is also charged with engaging in underage sex contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law Rape (Amendment) Act; sexual assault and sexual exploitation of the same female contrary to Section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.

He made no reply when charged.

His cousin who is facing a single charge of rape  replied: “I don’t know what I’m being charged with”.

Free legal aid was granted and the accused men were each granted bail subject to certain conditions. These include having no contact with the complainant – directly or indirectly or through social media.

The DPP has directed trial on indictment and Inspector Tom Kennedy requested an adjournment to facilitate the preparation of a book of evidence.

Judge Patrick Durcan granted the application and remanded both men to appear before the court again in June.