A FORMER politician has pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl.
The man – who cannot be named for legal reasons – pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the young girl at a Cork address nearly 20 years ago.
Judge Helen Boyle was told by Lily Buckley BL, on behalf of the state, that the man had written in advance that he would plead guilty when the case first came before the Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
The man, who is in his 50s, was charged with assaulting the eight-year-old girl at an address in Cork on a date between 1 and 7 November 2003.
The charge violated Common Law and Section 2 of the Criminal Law Rape Amendment Act, 1990.
When asked how he pleaded, the man replied in a loud voice, “Guilty.”
The man wore a green jacket, sweater and dark trousers and previously spoke alone in court to confirm his identity.
Ms Buckley said the state is requesting that the case be postponed until the next Circuit Criminal Court hearings.
This was to facilitate the preparation of expert reports to assist the court in sentencing.
The victim is also given the opportunity to submit a victim impact statement before the punishment is imposed.
Kate Aherne BL, for the defendant, said her client was in court with bail clearances.
However, Ms Aherne said her client has now voluntarily waived bail.
Judge Boyle said she would adjourn the case until April 25 for sentencing.
She ordered specific preparations for sentencing to be made.
Judge Boyle has taken the defendant into custody until April 25.
She imposed reporting restrictions on the case and ordered nothing published that could identify the victim.