Man denies rape and indecent assault charges

A MAN has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Castlebar, on 65 charges, alleging rape and indecent assault of two females.

One of the alleged victims was aged 10 when she was allegedly raped for the first time - on the day of Pope John Paul's visit to Knock in September 1979, prosecuting counsel Tara Burns told Judge Tony Hunt and a jury when the trial opened yesterday (Tuesday).

That alleged victim was subsequently raped a further three times, counsel continued.

The alleged offences relate to dates between 1979 and 1996.

The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The trial resumes this morning and is expected to continue until next week.