Ex GAA administrator to stand trial charged with almost 400 alleged sex offences

The 38-year-old appeared at a special midlands court sitting this evening where details of the 394 charges were relayed before Judge Kevin Kilraine.

They include 177 alleged counts of Section 4 rape, 210 sexual assaults, three assaults causing harm and one count each of alleged attempted rape, harassment, false imprisonment and criminal damage.

All of the offences allegedly made against two separate victims, took place between 2004 and 2009.

Two books of evidence relating to the charges were served on the accused prior to this evening's court sitting.

Detective Garda Damien McGovern said he executed 394 arrest warrants on the defendant at Dublin Airport shortly after 8:30am.

Later that morning at approximately 10:15am he said he formally arrested and charged the man.

State solicitor Mark Connellan said it was the State's application to return the defendant for trial to the Central Criminal Court for trial in relation to the larger book of evidence.

A separate application concerning 21 charges in a more condensed book of evidence was made for the defendant to to be returned for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court on April 30.

An application for bail was made by the defendant's solicitor Frank Gearty, a request which was denied by Judge Kilraine due to the "extremely serious" nature of the charges which were before the court.

A further order, compelling the media to refrain from identifying the defendant in the event such a move could possibly identify both, or either alleged victims in the case, was also made.

The defendant, who was wearing a black jumper and trousers and appearing unshaven, was also given the alibi warning-that he must provide to the state within 14 days details of any alibi he intends to rely on in the course of his trial.

Judge Kilraine granted a request made by Mr Gearty for his client to receive "general medical attention" while in custody in Castlerea Prison.