Man charged with rape at leisure centre was an international protection applicant in Limerick at the time

A 33-YEAR-OLD Asian man has appeared in court charged with the rape of a woman at a local authority operated leisure centre in Ennis two years ago.

At Ennis District Court, the man - who can’t be identified for legal reasons - appeared after being charged with the single count of rape of a female at the Active Ennis Leisure Centre at Sandfield Rd, Ennis on August 13, 2022, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990.

The Active Ennis Leisure Centre is owned and operated by Clare County Council and consists of a swimming pool and gym and is used by thousands of people every month.

In court, Det Garda Conor Flaherty of the Clare Garda Division Protective Services Unit (PSU) gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said that he met the accused before court by arrangement at Glentworth Street, Limerick and charged him with the single count.

He said that the accused - who required an interpreter for the court hearing - made no reply after charge. 

The man’s address on the charge sheet is an address used by the State to accommodate International Protection (IP) applicants in Limerick.

Solicitor Daragh Hassett for the accused, told the court that his client now lives and works in County Cork.

Sgt John Burke of Ennis Garda Station said that the DPP has directed that the case go forward to the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Hassett asked in view of the seriousness of the charge that he be assigned legal aid to represent his client and Judge Alec Gabbett granted legal aid.

Mr Hassett said that bail conditions have been agreed and reduced to writing and they include that the accused stay out of Ennis and have no contact with the alleged injured party.

Det Garda Flaherty said that the accused has also agreed to surrender his passport to a County Cork garda station.

Sgt Burke said that the case could be adjourned to September 4 for the preparation of a Book of Evidence in the case.

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Judge Gabbett remanded the accused on bail to re-appear before court on September 4.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council said today: “Active Ennis is committed to ensuring the safety of all the patrons of its facilities.”

He said: “There are security measures in place at Active Ennis Leisure Complex, including 24-hour CCTV, full-time staff in attendance during operational hours, along with full-time lifeguards as required.”