A 50-year-old teacher was yesterday charged with 45 counts of indecent and sexual assault on young boys aged between seven and 12 over a 30-year period in a Co Cork school.
The man is alleged to have indecently and sexually assaulted the boys from 1969 to 1976 and 1997 to 1998.
The later allegations include three counts of rape of one boy under Section 4 of the Criminal Law Rape Amendment Act 1990, Midleton District Court was told. Yesterday, Supt Dan Mullins objected to bail for the man, who is currently suspended from teaching.
The court heard Garda evidence that several alleged victims felt threatened by the defendant. The teacher denied any intimidation.
Judge Michael Pattwell said the defendant was innocent unless proven guilty and he was reluctant to deprive anyone of their liberty unless absolutely necessary.
He remanded the man on his own surety of £3,000 and an independent surety of £10,000 to appear at Midleton District Court on Tuesday week.