Two men accused of the rape and false imprisonment of a woman at Ceannt Station on August 1 last came before Galway District Court again in person on Monday (November 9 ) to be served with books of evidence and have their cases sent forward for hearing at the Central Criminal Court.
The books of evidence contain all the information gathered by the Garda investigation team, and this is handed over to the defendants’ legal teams to facilitate their defence.
The books were handed over by Detective Garda Greg Gander. An Arabic interpreter was in court to interpret the proceedings for the Jordanian defendants. They were taken from prison to appear in person before Judge Fiona Lydon, who remanded them both in custody to appear again before the Central Criminal Court.
Both defendants were refused bail by the High Court. They both face four charges in relation to the alleged offences. One defendant faces two charges of rape, false imprisonment and sexual assault, while the other faces one charge of rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment.
Reporting restrictions were again confirmed to protect the identity of the alleged victim. Both defendants, aged 25 and 27, were granted free legal aid, and there was no State objection to this.
Limerick-based solicitor Sarah Ryan is representing both men. Judge Lydon sanctioned one junior and one senior counsel for each defendant at the request of their barrister.
Prosecuting Garda Sgt Christy Brown said that the State was not objecting to this decision as the charges were so serious.
Judge Lydon gave both defendants the alibi warning. If relying on an alibi they must provide the Gardaí with the names and addresses of any alibi witnesses within 14 days of the opening of the trial.
