Brothel accused remanded in custody

by Martina Nee

Two people charged with operating a brothel in a city centre apartment have been further remanded in custody.

At Galway District Court on Monday, Monica Ciuciu (34) and Ioan Bizau (28) both with a rental address at apartment 3, 15 Mary Street, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy charged with acting or assisting in the management of a brothel at their place of residence on February 11, 2012, contrary to Section 11 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993. Bizau was further charged with possession of cocaine at the same address and date, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Garda Noel Sweeney gave evidence of arresting Ciuciu at the apartment on February 12 and later charging her to which, after caution, she replied: “I admit”. The court heard that Bizau was arrested on the same day and that after arrest, charge, and caution he replied: “Not true”.

Inspector Sean Glynn then made an application for Ciuciu to be remanded in custody to Mountjoy women’s prison and brought before Galway District Court again on Monday February 20. In the case of Bizau, Inspector Glynn made an application for him to be remanded in custody to appear at Harristown District Court tomorrow, February 17.

Defence solicitor for both accused, Ronan Murphy, made no application for bail. During an application for legal aid the court heard that Ciuciu had been in the country for three months while Bizau had been living here for two months.

Regarding their financial means, Inspector Glynn said that this was part of the investigation which is on-going and that there may be further charges.

Judge Fahy reserved on legal aid in respect of both accused adding that more information would be needed. She then remanded Ciuciu in custody by consent to appear again next Monday for DPP directions while Bizau was remanded in custody by consent to tommorrow.