Alleged rapist seeks change of prison

A man in custody on charges of raping two girls wants a change of jail.

The 30-year-old from Athlone, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Harristown District Court yesterday.

He was charged on Monday with twice raping each of the girls, aged 6 and 9, at an address in the Midlands town last Saturday.

He had been remanded in custody to Castlerea Prison and yesterday was taken by prison officers from the prison to the adjoining Harristown Court for a scheduled remand appearance.

Wearing a white T-shirt and dark trousers, he stood in the area reserved for prisoners and indicated to his solicitor, Gearóid Geraghty, that he wanted to consult with him. Following a brief consultation, Mr Geraghty advised Judge Geoffrey Browne that his client was seeking a transfer to Clover Hill Prison in Dublin.

“These are the instructions that I’ve just received,” said Mr Geraghty.

Judge Browne said he had no jurisdiction in relation to the request.

Insp Aidan Minnock applied to have the accused man remanded in custody to appear again at Harristown District Court on Oct 18.

There was no defence objection and Judge Browne made the remand order.