DUBLIN, IRELAND — A 26-year-old man accused of the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Dublin last month has been deemed “fit to be tried,” a court heard today. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons protecting the victim’s identity, appeared via video link at Cloverhill District Court with the aid of an Arabic interpreter.
Judge Alan Mitchell confirmed he had received a psychiatric report indicating the accused is mentally fit to face proceedings.
The man stands accused of sexually assaulting the girl, who was missing from care, at Garter Lane in Saggart on October 20, 2025.
Garda Sergeant Sinead Connolly informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has yet to issue formal directions in the case. Crucially, the Sergeant added: “There are further serious offences under consideration, I will be submitting a file to the DPP in early course.”
The development indicates that the accused could face additional, potentially more severe charges. The eventual directions from the DPP will determine whether the case proceeds to a trial in the District Court or is sent forward to the higher Circuit Court.
The accused, who has not yet entered a plea, consented to a four-week remand in continuing custody, with his next appearance scheduled for December 17. The judge noted that the accused has been in custody for nearly two months and, while acknowledging the high-profile nature of the case which previously triggered violent scenes at Citywest, he stressed that he expected significant progress on the next court date. The defence has been instructed to provide Gardaí with 48 hours’ notice if they intend to make an application for bail.
