Sean McDonnell, with an address at Churchill Meadows in Raheen in Limerick is charged with one count of buggery with an animal, namely a German Shepherd, at 26 Laurel Park, Patrickswell, Co Limerick, on October 7 2008.
He was served with the Book of Evidence in the case today at Limerick District Court and sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Circuit Court in the autumn.
Mr McDonnell was granted free legal aid to cover the cost of his solicitor and two counsel. He was remanded on continuing bail until a court date has been set for his trial.
The single charge arises from the suspicious death of 43-year-old Carol Hickey, a mother of four children from Galbally in Co Limerick.
She died on the night of 7 October 2008, when she suddenly became unwell at the house in Patrickwell, and died later in hospital.
A garda investigation followed her death, during which the accused man was arrested and charged.
The victim was well known in her village of Galbally, where she was secretary of the local community association.
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