A 23-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a woman while she was out running in Dublin has been remanded in custody.
The unemployed man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested over the incident on the night of February 3rd last in the Coolock area.
Following consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), he was charged on Tuesday night and appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court today.
He is accused of sexual assault contrary to section two of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990.
Detective Garda Niall Gibbs told Judge Kelly that the accused made “no reply” when charged. The man did not address the court.
Defence solicitor Michael Kelleher told Judge Kelly that there was no application for bail at this stage.
Judge Kelly remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next Thursday via video-link.
His solicitor asked if the garda had a view on reporting restrictions in this matter. Judge Kelly reminded the media that nothing should be published that would identify the complainant.
She ordered that the defendant should not be named either because the case was at an "early and delicate stage".
Legal aid was granted to the man who has not yet indicated how he will plead.
Directions from the DPP need to be obtained to determine if the case should be dealt with at district court level or in the circuit court which has tougher sentencing powers.
