A RETIRED Catholic priest has appeared in court accused of 71 counts of indecent assault on a number of boys.
Raymond Brady (75), Baltrasna, Oldcastle, Co Meath, appeared before Kells District Court yesterday charged with the offences which are alleged to have taken place between April 1964 and October 1978 at various locations in Co Meath, including a number of parochial houses.
Det Garda Bryan Moroney told the court the accused replied “nothing to say” when he was arrested and charged with the offences at Kells Garda station last Tuesday.
Supt Jim McGowan said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed the accused be returned for trial, and requested the case be adjourned.
Judge Eamon O’Brien remanded Fr Brady on bail for the service of a book of evidence at the same court on November 26th, when he will also consider an application for free legal aid.
Following a submission from defence solicitor Anne Dolan, who said her client had been photographed on his way into court, the judge asked the media to exercise discretion so as not to prejudice the possibility of a fair trial.