Teen charged with serious sexual offences and multiple counts of rape

COURT

A teenager has appeared before a court in County Galway charged with more than 30 serious sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape.

The boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, was accompanied by his mother at the children’s court sitting at Ballinasloe District Court last Thursday.

Garda Sergeant Christy Browne gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution of the teenager, who was 15 at the time of the alleged offences on various dates in 2025.

The in-camera hearing was told that the alleged victims – a teenage boy and teenage girl – are also minors.

The young person faces 34 charges in total. They include 18 counts of rape; seven counts of sexual assault; five counts of production of child pornography; one count of the distribution of child pornography; two counts of threatening to share intimate images; and one count of stalking.

Reporting restrictions imposed

Sgt Browne requested reporting restrictions, including that media do not report the locations in Ireland that the alleged offences took place on various dates in 2025.

Judge James Faughnan agreed to the request given the serious nature of the offences and given that all parties — the accused and the alleged victims – are all minors.

Sgt Browne confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial by indictment in the Central Criminal Court.

He said the DPP agreed to the matter going forward on a signed plea of guilty if applicable.

The boy was released on bail, on consent, with strict conditions attached.

Defence solicitor Martina Moran told the court these included that the teenager stays out of two named counties and refrains from using social media.

Both mother and child signed a bond for bail of €100.

Judge Faughnan adjourned the matter to Tuam District Court on October 27, for preparation of a book of evidence.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.