16/07/2008

Hanlon Killer To Face Sex Abuse Charges

The body of an Irishman shot dead in the US last month is expected to return home to the country today, as his killer faces separate sex abuse charges.

Andrew Hanlon, from Dublin, was shot at least seven times by 35-five-year old Tony Gonzalez after the police officer responded to reports of a burglary in Silverton, Oregon on June 30.

The family of 20-year-old Mr Hanlon, however, have insisted that he was disorientated and mistakenly thought he was knocking on his sister's door when somebody reported an attempted break-in to police. The case is expected to go to a grand jury soon.

Meanwhile, Gonzales is facing multiple counts of sexually abusing an underage girl. The girl and her mother walked into a police station over the weekend and reported the abuse, which is said to have occurred on at least 60 occasions over a four or five year period.

The victim and her mother have claimed that the abuse resumed after Gonzales shot and killed Mr Hanlon.

Mr Hanlon's sister Melanie Heise confirmed she was in court yesterday to witness Gonzales face the sex abuse charges, but did not attempt to talk to him.

Judge Joseph Ochoa rejected a bail request and Gonzalez is due back in court later this month.

(NS/JM)

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