A YOUTH IS facing trial accused of raping a girl in the grounds of a college in Dublin.

The 19-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court today. He was charged with unlawfully having oral sex and sexual intercourse with a child under the age 15 on a date in March 2015.

Garda Niamh Coates told Judge John O’Connor that the youth’s reply to the charge was “no comment”. He has not yet indicated how he will plead and despite being an adult he appeared at the Children’s Court because he was a minor at the time of the alleged offence.

Defence counsel Tessa White told Judge O’Connor that arguments will be made as regards to the delay in bringing the case. Judge O’Connor said that issue could be dealt with later by the trial judge.

He said the charge that has been brought means the youth will face go before a judge and jury at Central Criminal Court. He adjourned the case for six weeks to allow time for the prosecution to complete the book of evidence.

There was no objection to bail subject to the youth obeying a number of conditions.

The teen was ordered to reside at an address in north Dublin, to have a mobile phone fully charged and in credit at all times to maintain contact with gardai, to sign on once a week at his local garda station and to have no contact directly or indirectly with the complainant.

The youth indicated he understood the bail terms and legal aid was granted after the judge noted he is unemployed.

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