‘Donkey Man’ brands abuse claims ‘disgusting’

Pensioner Lester Charles Quenault took the stand for the first time on the third day of his trial, and described the allegations against him as ‘disgusting’.

The 78-year-old, who used to run a donkey ride concession on Gorey common and the Five Mile Road in the 1960s and 70s and was known as the Donkey Man, denies 27 counts of sexual abuse against two pre-teenage girls.

The charges comprise six counts of rape, 11 counts of indecent assault and ten counts of procuring an act of gross indecency.

The offences were allegedly committed more than 40 years ago.

Asked by Crown Advocate Simon Thomas why a woman who had never met him would make up the allegations, the defendant said: ‘I cannot understand that myself. I think it is for money.’

On Wednesday, in light of evidence that emerged on the first days of the trial, the Commissioner Julian Clyde-Smith, presiding, invited the jury to find the defendant not guilty on four of the counts of indecent assault and one count of rape.

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