The law protecting children from sexual predators has been described as 'a shambles' after a man who had been accused of the statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl walked free from court today.
The man, known as Mr C, took a successful Supreme Court challenge in 2006 which led to legislation on the crime of unlawful carnal knowledge being declared unconstitutional.
The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told today that the State was dropping all other sexual assault charges against him.
Prosecuting Counsel told Judge Patricia Ryan that the State wished to enter a nolle prosequi in relation to the charges against Mr C.
His lawyer said that as no further charges were outstanding against his client he should be discharged from the indictment.
Mr C was facing the sexual assault charges after a nolle prosequi had been entered earlier in relation to the unlawful carnal knowledge charge following the Supreme Court ruling.
The Government has now reiterated its promise to hold a constitutional referendum on the issue before the end of this year, but the Rape Crisis Network said there was no date for the referendum.
Minister for Children Brendan Smith said the Government was currently awaiting the report of the all-party Oireachtas Committee.
The committee was established last November to examine amendment proposals and is due to report back to the Oireachtas by the end of March.
