A book of evidence will be required in the case against a 25-year-old man accused of raping a girl and making child sexual abuse images, as well as demanding money from her with menaces.<\/p>\n
The matter had been adjourned until Thursday to see if there would be a signed plea of guilty or if a book of evidence would be required. Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said the book of evidence would be required.<\/p>\n
Detective Garda Enda Dowling objected to bail being granted to the accused last week, expressing the concern that he would be a flight risk if released on bail.<\/p>\n
Sergeant Gear\u00f3id Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case would be sent to the Central Criminal Court for trial. Alternatively, the defendant could sign a plea of guilty at the district court and be sent forward for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court.<\/p>\n
Two counts of rape relate to January 5, 2024, and in respect of the same date there is a charge against him of knowingly producing child pornography for the purpose of distribution, publication, exportation, sale or show. There is a related charge of coercing a child to participate in the production of child pornography.<\/p>\n
A further charge alleges that on dates between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024, he allegedly made a demand with menaces for the payment of \u20ac12,000.<\/p>\n
Det. Garda Dowling testified in the course of his objection to bail: \u201cHe led her to believe she was responsible for a \u20ac12,000 drug debt because she was the only person who knew about the drugs. Garda\u00ed are satisfied that this drug seizure never happened.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the course of his evidence he said there was a video, which appeared to be taken by the accused, as the child engaged with him in oral sex and that the video suggested she was acting under his instructions.<\/p>\n
There are further charges against him in relation to theft of various sums of money ranging from \u20ac32 to \u20ac500 and of jewellery, including a \u20ac6,500 diamond ring.<\/p>\n
Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody to Cork District Court on November 13. On that date his appearance will again be by video link from prison.<\/p>\n