The most bizarre case in Irish law went to court in Limerick yesterday.

The defendant was named as Sean McDonnell, a 57-year-old bus driver whose German Shepherd dog had sex with a women McDonnell met on a bestiality chat line.

The house where the incident occurred is pictured

He appeared in court with his daughter and was given free legal aid

The woman later died from an allergic reaction to the dog's semen.

It is the most bizarre case, but one that is gripping many in Ireland given its popularity as the most read on several news sites including the august Irish Times.

McDonnell's offense occurred on October 7th 2008 when the woman came to his house and the incident occurred.

She was rushed to hospital in Limerick a few hours after but died.

He is being tried under a centuries old law forbidding sex between animals and humans.

He is the first ever prosecution in such a case.


Police Inspector Jerry Horan told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions had fixed the trial for Limerick in September.

It promises to be a media circus when it happens.

The dog has been held in police custody ever since the incident