A MAN aged 60 appeared before Galway District Court yesterday on charges of rape and sexual assault involving two young girls.
The defendant, whose name cannot be published to protect the identity of the alleged victims, was arrested at 11.27 a.m. on Sunday and brought to Salthill Garda station, where he was charged on four counts.
The man was charged that, on a date unknown in August 1996, he raped a girl contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990. He was charged with sexual assault of the same girl on the same date.
In addition, he was charged with raping the girl on a date unknown between April 1st, 1995, and January 31st, 1996, and with sexually assaulting another girl on a date unknown.
The man said he had no medical card or money and could not afford a solicitor. Judge John Garavan said he would consider granting free legal aid. He remanded the defendant in custody to Monday next.
