Man, 55, facing 53 counts of child sex in Dublin

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Brian O’Shea at Dublin District Court and was remanded on conditional bail pending the preparation of a book of evidence.

Garda Brian Amerlynck told the court the man was charged at a south Dublin garda station.

Garda Amerlynck said the accused was cautioned and had no reply when each charge was put to him.

The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that he must face trial on indictment, meaning it will be heard in a higher court which can impose lengthier sentences.

The defendant, who did not address the court, was ordered to appear again on a date in February when it is expected he will be served with a book of evidence and sent forward for trial.

He faces 53 charges including multiple counts of gross indecency and sexual assault of two boys at an address in south Dublin on dates between 2001 and 2004 and 2008 and 2010.

There was no objection to bail subject to him complying with numerous conditions.

The bail terms were set and stated he cannot have any contact with witnesses, he had to surrender his passport, continue to reside at an address provided to the court and sign-on once a week at his local Garda station.

He has not yet indicated how he will plead.

Judge O’Shea said in this case reporting restrictions applied and nothing could be published that identified the accused or the complainants.