Man on trial for alleged sexual assault of 16‑year‑old in Limerick bathroom

A man appeared before the Central Criminal Court in Limerick on Tuesday, charged with forcing a 16‑year‑old boy to perform oral sex in a bathroom two years ago.

The accused pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault under section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, relating to an incident alleged to have occurred on 8 November 2024. A reporting restrictions order issued by Mr Justice Sean Gillane bars identification of the parties and the specific premises.

Senior prosecution counsel Lorcan Connolly, instructed by Lily Buckley BL and state solicitor Orla Farrell, told the court that the boy and the accused were strangers. He said the accused allegedly took the boy into a cubicle, forced him onto his knees and compelled the sexual act without consent.

The prosecution will present evidence that the boy photographed the accused after the incident, disclosed the matter at school, and was subsequently examined at a sexual assault treatment unit where a lip swab contained fluid matching the accused.

The defence is led by senior counsel Mark Nicholas, instructed by Kenny Keirns BL and Kiely McCarthy Solicitors, Limerick. Legal‑rights counsel Cian Kelly of Limerick Law Centre represents the complainant. The trial, heard by a jury of six men and six women, could last up to a week.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: David Guerrero / Pexels.