Man due in court over "random" assaults on four women in Athlone

A man is due in court in Mullingar this morning in connection with daytime assaults on four women in the centre of Athlone over the space of two hours yesterday (Wednesday).

The assaults are alleged to have taken place in the Golden Island area, on Northgate Street, and on Abbey Road, between 10.10am and 12.10pm.

The incidents are being treated by Gardai as completely random attacks in which the man is alleged to have punched or kicked the women to the face or body.

The fourth alleged assault - in the Abbey Road road area at approximately 12.10pm - involved a woman who had to be taken to hospital with injuries to her face after being punched.

Another woman reported to the Gardai that she was assaulted by being kicked in the waist area on Northgate Street.

Two other women who were chatting to each other in the Golden Island area are understood to have been punched to the face and body area, and attended their GP practice for treatment.

The man is understood to be in his early 50s, and from another area of the country.

He was arrested at Athlone train station yesterday, and was subsequently charged by Gardai after being interviewed during the day and night yesterday.

A Garda spokesperson said he was brought in custody to appear before Mullingar District Court this morning.

* UPDATE: See report of court appearance here.