A former scout leader from Co. Cork was arrested and charged with 26 counts of sexual assault and 1 count of attempted sexual assault of former young boys from the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland.

David Barry, age 72 from Firgrove Gardens, Bishopstown, County Cork was a former scout leader and retired businessman. He was arrested in his home at 7:40 A.M. in the morning by Detective Garda Gary Duggan and brought to Togher Garda Station at 8:10 A.M. where he was charged with 27 separate counts relating to sexual assault, indecent assault and attempted sexual assault, from nine former boy scout complainants, reported by the Irish Examiner.

These charges allegedly happened between the period of 1986 to 2005, with most of the cases allegedly happening in the 1980s and 1990s. The former boy scouts would have been around the age of 12 to 16 at the time of the alleged offence, reported by the Irish Times. Many of the complainants are approximately in their 40s in age now.

Brought before the Cork District Court, Mr. Barry was asked if he wanted to reply to the charges brought against him to which he wished not to and stated, “I am so sorry for anyone I hurt.”

Sergeant Gearóid Davis expressed that it was acceptable for Mr. Barry to be remanded on bail on the conditions that he surrendered his passport and signed into Togher Garda Station once a week.

Mr. Barry’s defending solicitor expressed his client’s agreement and Judge Olann Kelleher ordered for Mr. Barry to sign on every Wednesday at Togher Garda Station.

The Director of Public Prosecution has decided that the case would be trialled on indictment before the judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The defence solicitor stated that a book of evidence would be required and Detective Garda Duggan says that he would be able to provide the book of evidence on the 27th of January. Mr. Barry was then released on bail as ordered by Judge Olann Kelleher.

Meanwhile, Mr. Barry’s solicitors say that his client is now a retired businessman and he would prepare a statement of means to apply for future support of free legal aid in the case.

Norman spicer

Senior Personal Injury Solicitor

Read more about our work on abuse claims.

How we can help

If you have been affected by a similar issue, the team at Coleman Legal LLP can advise you. Contact our team to discuss your case. Call 01 531 3800 or complete our contact form.