An Irish entertainment industry figure is to stand trial accused of the defilement of a child under the age of 17 more than a decade ago.

The man, who is aged in his thirties and cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested this morning and charged.

There was no objection to bail when he appeared before Judge John Brennan at Dublin District Court in the afternoon.

He said reporting restrictions applied.

An Irish celebrity has appeared in court on three charges of engaging in a sexual act with a child under the age of 17 on dates in 2010 and 2011. He can't be named. DPP has directed trial before judge and jury. No objection to bail today. No application for legal aid.

— Frank Greaney (@FrankGreaney) February 14, 2023

The accused faces three charges of engaging in oral sex with a child who was under 17 years of age, contrary to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2006, at two unknown locations in Dublin and at one in the city centre, on dates in 2010 and early 2011.

One incident allegedly occurred on December 14th, another happened between August 2010 and January 23rd 2011, while the third charge was on an unknown date in 2010.

A Garda detective attached to a protective services unit gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

The accused, represented in court by counsel, made “no reply” to the charges.

The court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment.

This means the case will be sent forward to the Circuit Court.

The DPP also directed he could be sent forward for sentencing on a signed plea, should that arise.

Judge Brennan remanded him on bail on his bond of €500 to appear again in March to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.

He also set a condition that there must be no contact with the complainant.

The accused did not have to address the court during the brief hearing and is yet to enter a plea.

There was no legal aid application.

Reporting from Tom Tuite at Dublin District Court.