A 16-year-old boy has been granted release after being accused of sexually attacking a woman at a woodland park in Co Cork. The minor’s name has been withheld due to his age. He had initially been detained with an option for bail following his court appearance the previous week.
The incident in question occurred on June 6th; a woman was attacked by a lone male while walking alone on a trail in the Island Wood near Newmarket around 7.15pm. The alleged assailant fled the scene after the woman fought him off.
The teenager was arrested the preceding Friday, and subsequently stood before Clonakilty District Court. He was accused of sexually assaulting the woman at the Island Wood, a charge which is a violation of Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape Amendment) Act 1990. Additionally, he faced accusations of exposing himself with the intent of causing her fear or distress, an act contravening Section 45 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) 2017.
When presented with these charges, Det Garda Noelle McSweeney from Mallow Garda station declared that the teenager gave no response. Although there had been objections to his bail, Judge Brendan O’Reilly permitted detainment with potential for bail subject to certain conditions. The bail terms included a €3,000 independent surety and a €500 cash deposit, however, the guarantor was unable to meet these terms initially.
During the next court appearance the following Tuesday, defence solicitor Charlie O’Connor brought forth evidence that the bail guarantor was now able to meet the conditions. It was also revealed that the teenager had already given up his passport to Det Insp Ann Marie Guiney from the Cork County Protective Services Unit and had agreed to obey signing requirements and a curfew.
Finally, Sgt Majella O’Sullivan announced that the authorities were satisfied with the surety provided. Judge Philip O’Leary then permitted the teenager to be released on bail, and arranged for his next appearance in Mallow District Court to be on September 17th.