Published: Friday, 12th February, 2010 3:05pm

Woman pleads not guilty to 87 counts of indecent assault

A woman has this week pleaded not guilty to 87 counts of indecently assaulting a number of girls at an Offaly school in the seventies.

Tullamore Circuit Court was told a jury would be required for the trial of the 61 year old, who is pleading not guilty to offences that allegedly took place between 1973 and 1977. The court also heard she may face further charges.

A number of the alleged victims were in the court this week, as was the defendant.

The book of evidence refers to seven named female victims, with 20 offences each alleged to have been committed against three of them, 10 against two other victims, six against one and one charge against the final victim.

Defence counsel Geraldine Biggs applied to Judge Anthony Kennedy for an adjournment, saying a jury would be needed but because of the "large amount of disclosure" required she sought a July date. Ms Biggs said there was a possibility of further charges and she needed time to consult with senior counsel.

Prosecution barrister Dara Foynes said the State did not object to the adjournment of the case, which will be held in-camera.

Ms Foynes said there were many, many charges and multiple complaints and anticipated the case would take more than two or three days.

She suggested the case could possibly be adjourned into a discretionary sitting of the court.

However, Judge Kennedy said there were no further discretionary sittings scheduled, and granted an adjournment until July.

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