A FORMER TEACHER charged with the alleged historic abuse of a number of boys over a seven-year period from the 1970s to the 1980s at a school in south Dublin was too ill to attend a hearing in his case, a court has heard.

The accused, a man in his 70s, did not attend a sitting of Dún Laoghaire District Court today when he was due to be served with a book of evidence by gardaí.

Solicitor for the accused, Donough Molloy of Sheehan & Partners LLP, said his client was not present in court due to medical issues.

Molloy presented a medical report to support his client’s absence from court to Judge Anne Watkin.

Prosecuting solicitor, Ruth Walsh, said the book of evidence was ready to be served so that the case could be progressed.

The accused, who cannot be identified by direction of Judge Watkin in order to protect the identity of his alleged victims, is facing 23 counts of indecent assault at the school where he taught.

The alleged offences, which are being brought under Section 62 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, occurred on dates between 1977 and 1984 in relation to seven different victims.

A previous sitting of the case in February heard that all charges are denied by the accused.

Judge Watkin adjourned serving of the book of evidence until 11 June and remanded the defendant on continuing bail.