Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

6:30am - 9:00am

Breakfast with Peter Dunne

Bella Kay

I Love It I Love It I Love It

Rape-Accused Asylum Seeker Sent Forward For Trial

Wednesday, 2 July 2025 13:34

The 23 year old man will next appear before the Central Criminal Court.

An asylum seeker accused of raping a teenage girl in Athlone earlier this year has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

The 23 year old man, who cannot be named due to the nature of the charge and to protect the identity of the alleged victim, appeared this morning before Judge Peter White in Athlone District Court.

Garda Sheila Fitzgerald gave evidence of having served the book of evidence on the man at 10.45am.

The rape is alleged to have occurred at a location in Athlone town on a date between February 16 and 17, 2025.

The accused man is a south African native and an International Protection applicant who arrived in Ireland in July of last year.

Andrea Callan BL said the accused was refused bail by Judge Bernadette Owens two weeks ago and will bring a second bail application before the High Court next Tuesday.

He was returned for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court and given an alibi warning.

Judge White extended the man's legal aid to the Central Criminal Court for his solicitor and two counsel.

More from Midlands News

Summer Flights Going Ahead As Usual - Ryanair

CEO, Mullingar's Michael O'Leary says all routes will be running.
Offaly TD Hopeful On STEM Officer Fund Solution

EU Just Transition Funding for STEM officers in the Midlands will run out at the end of the June.
Ryanair Criticises Dublin Airport Expansion Plan

CEO of Ryanair Michael O'Leary isn't a fan of the move.
Midlands Broadcaster Honoured For Promoting Irish Culture

Paddy Duffy was recognised by Comhaltas.
Offaly School Calls For Urgent Road Safety Measures

Almost 100% of vehicles are not obeying speed limits near Cloneyhurke NS.
€3bn Energy Park Potential Puts Offaly In Global Spotlight

The company is assessing locations for potential renewable energy and data centres.
Midlands Sports Stars To Speak At Women’s Leadership Conference In Westmeath

The conference is being held next Friday.
An Garda Síochána Launch Bike Safety Advice Stands Across Laois

The initiative is lasting over the weekend.
Offaly Gardai Appeal For Public's Help On Robbery

The incident happened in the early hours of this morning in Clonmacnoise between midnight and 1 am.
Offaly Rep Criticises Government Councillors Over Hospice Dispute

According to Fergus McDonnell, €312k will be returned to the Offaly Hospice Committee.
"An Amazing Expierence" - Accelerate Green Alumni Pay Tribute To BnM Programme

Business leaders in the renewable space are recounting their experience.
Laois And Offaly Ranked In Top 10 Most Competitive Gaming Counties

Laois is seen as the third highest nationally.
Bertie Ahern 'Man Who Brings People Together' - Darragh O'Brien

Minister O'Brien also says he doesn't agree with Mr Ahern's comments on immigration.
Offaly Cigarette Seizure Leads To €100k Drug Discovery

Gardaí in Edenderry searched two premises yesterday.
Energy Minister Wants Tax Cuts Over Energy Credits

Darragh O'Brien would prefer the measure over universal energy credits.
Midlands 103 Retains Region's Biggest Audience

Weekly Listenership Steady At 109,000 Adults
Emergency Services Attend Scene Of Offaly Crash

The incident took place at 9:30pm last night.
Offaly TD Distances Himself From Bertie Ahern Immigration Remarks

The former Taoiseach was recorded saying there were “too many” immigrants coming into the country.
Tickets Now On Sale For 2026 National Ploughing Championships In Offaly

This year's event will be held in Screggan.
Gardai Warn Midlands Festival Goers Of Fake Tickets

Laois/Offaly Gardai say a recent investigation in the region found two people buying fake tickets on social media.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103