A Donegal man has appeared in court charged with the historic rape of a woman.
The accused man was before Letterkenny District Court.
The man, who is in his 70s, cannot be named in order to protect the anonymity of the alleged injured party.
He is charged that on an unknown date between May 1972 and September, 1973 he did rape the woman. The charge is contrary to section 48 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Act, 1981 as amended by section 21 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Act, 1990.
Detective Garda Eimear Hassett of Letterkenny Garda Station gave evidence of arresting the man at 10.26am on June 4, 2025 under Section 10 (2) of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 for the purpose of charge.
Detective Garda Hassett told the court that she charged the man at 10.28am.
After charge, the man was invited to make a response, but made no reply.
Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the matter be prosecuted on indictment at the Central Criminal Court.
The DPP has also consented for the accused man to be sent forward on a signed guilty plea should that arise.
There was no Garda objection to the man being bailed.
The man was granted bail on condition that he reside at a named address and notify gardai of any change of address; that he have no contact, either directly or indirectly, to include via social media or otherwise, with the alleged injured party; to be contactable by gardai on telephone 24-7; that he notify gardai if leaving the island of Ireland for any extended period (in excess of two weeks); and that he commit no further offence and be of good behaviour.
Legal aid was granted to the man’s solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher.
Judge Eiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case until September to allow for the service of a book of evidence.