Two Jordanian men accused of the rape and false imprisonment of a woman at Ceannt Station on August 1 last came before Galway District Court again on Monday via video-link from prison, and had their cases put back until the November 9 sitting of the court.
Judge John King was told that the books of evidence being compiled by the prosecution were complex and the State needed more time to complete the process.
Speaking through an Arabic interpreter, the men protested that the process was taking too long. One of the men, who appeared to have a black eye, said he was attacked by an inmate in Mountjoy and claimed he was not receiving protection while in custody. The younger of the two men requested he be transferred to another prison for his safety, but was informed that this was not a matter for the court.
On Wednesday, October 7, 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, have already been granted free legal aid.
On Monday both defendants were asked to give their consent to being remanded in custody for a further four weeks. Garda Sgt Damien Prendergast said if the book of evidence was ready before this time the defendants’ legal teams would be informed.
When the four-week adjournment was put to the two men, the younger said: “Four weeks is too much. I didn’t do anything wrong.” However, after some consultation they both agreed to the remand until the November 9 sitting.
