Defence rests in Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial

THE DEFENCE has rested this Wednesday morning in the Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial.

The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, will be referred to as Mr A, who was 18 at the time.

The State alleges he exposed himself to a then 17-year-old at a Christmas party in December 2017.

He was originally charged with sexual assault which the State will not now proceed with after a further charge was added to the indictment - intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature. 

Mr A has pleaded not guilty to the offence which is alleged to have taken place at a Christmas party on the outskirts of Limerick city in December 2017. A  jury of seven women and five men was sworn in before Judge Dermot Sheehan on Tuesday, February 13.

READ MORE: 'I had a girlfriend. It didn’t happen,' claims accused in Limerick Christmas party sex offence trial

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, concluded the State's case this Wednesday morning following the conclusion of the evidence of Sergeant David Boland, the main investigating member of An Garda Siochana.

A short time later, Erin O’Hagan, defence barrister, said the defence rests. Ms O'Hagan, appears with Amy Nix BL, and is instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan. 

Judge Sheehan told the jury the evidence has now concluded and the defence and prosecution barristers will give their closing speeches this Wednesday afternoon.