Priest who faces sex trial after 40 years
CHARGE: Cleric accused of abusing man at city church during the 1960s
Accused Morgan Costello is pushed into court
THIS is the priest accused of repeatedly buggering a young man while he was working in a Dublin parish over four decades ago.
Morgan Costello (76) is alleged to have indecently assaulted and buggered the man over a two-year period in the late 1960s.
He was arrested and charged following a major investigation by officers at Kevin Street garda station.
The cleric is facing trial by judge and jury in the Circuit Court after the DPP directed trial on indictment in relation to the charges.
Costello, with an address at Collinswood Gardens, Ranelagh, appeared before Dublin District Court charged with four counts of indecent assault and eight counts of buggery.
Evidence
The alleged incidents took place at Meath St Church, Meath Street, Dublin 8, on dates between 1967 and 1969.
Costello appeared before Judge Patrick McMahon. State solicitor Karen Wilson told Judge McMahon that the book of evidence was ready to be served on Costello.
Garda Kenneth Donnelly handed the book of evidence to Costello, who was in a wheelchair and looked frail. Ms Wilson said Costello was being sent forward to the present sittings of Dublin Circuit Court.
He was remanded on bail in his own bond of €150.
Judge McMahon gave Costello the alibi caution, saying he had 14 days to notify the State of anyone he may be calling as an alibi in his defence.
Costello made no comment during the brief hearing, except to confirm he understood the alibi caution.
In a frail voice, Costello said "I do," when Judge McMahon asked him if he understood what an alibi was.
He has not made an application for legal aid at this stage of the proceedings.
hnews@herald.ie
- Eimear Cotter and Cormac Looney
