A 45-year-old father of three was jostled by a group of people as he arrived at Limerick District Court yesterday to face six charges of sexual abuse against two teenage boys.
Five of the charges related to one of the boys and one involved the other boy. The offences were alleged to have taken place in three different counties in the mid-west between September 1994 and March 1997.
The court was told that the Garda investigations went on for 3 1/2 years. The charges were described as "extremely serious".
The accused man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, covered his head with an anorak as he was led into court by a garda.
Evidence of arrest, at the man's home at 5.25 p.m. on Tuesday, was given by Garda Anne Marie McMahon, Henry Street, Limerick. In reply to the charges, he said: "These allegations are false. It never happened."
Defending solicitor Mr John Devane said "every issue" in the case would be vehemently contested.
Judge Joe Malone said he was sure the media were aware of their responsibilities regarding the case. He remanded the accused, who was granted legal aid, in his own bond of £900 and an independent surety of £6,000 or two independent sureties of £3,000 until August 16th.
On the application of Garda Insp John O'Reilly, the accused was ordered to hand up his passport to the gardai. He was also ordered to report to them once a week.
The judge also made an order that he must stay away from the boys and their families.