Man sexually assaulted seven females

A MAN pleaded guilty at the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar today (Wednesday) to charges of sexually assaulting seven different females at a number of locations over a six-year period between 1997 and 2003.

The elderly accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had earlier pleaded not guilty to a single count of sexual assault.

However, after a jury had been selected and his trial was about to begin this morning, counsel for the accused indicated there had been a development and his client could be re-arraigned.

When seven counts of sexual assault were put to the accused, he replied 'Guilty' to each charge.

The accused was then remanded in custody to appear again at the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar on Friday week.

As the brief hearing ended, a number of persons in the body of the court applauded.

However, they were severely reprimanded by Judge Sean Ó Donnabhain.

The judge commented that the court wasn't a huckster shop and that whoever carried out the clapping were 'a disgrace'.

“If it happens again at any stage I will take serious action,” the judge warned.