Two men accused of the rape and false imprisonment of a woman at Ceannt Station on August 1 last, came before Galway District Court on Monday and had their cases put back until the October 12 sitting, when they will have the option of pleading guilty to the charges or of opting for a book of evidence in order to assist them in defending their case.
Both defendants appeared via video-link from prison before Judge Tom McSharry at Galway District Court on Monday, September 28. An Arabic interpreter was again in Court to assist with translating the proceedings.
On Wednesday last, both defendants were formally arrested just after 11am on new sexual assault charges which, it will be alleged, took place on August 1 at Victoria Place, Galway. The rapes and false imprisonment are alleged to have taken place at Ceannt Station on the same date.
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.
Judge McSharry made a disclosure order to Donal Cronin BL (defending ), advised by Sarah Ryan, solicitor, Limerick. This means all evidence gathered by the Gardaí during the investigation of the case must be handed over to the defence, to allow them to advise the defendants on the best course of action.
Both defendants remain in custody as bail was refused both at Galway District Court and subsequently by the High Court.
Matters were adjourned until October 12, when both defendants will again appear before the court via video-link.
