Cork man pleads guilty to aiding refugee escape in Australia

A 22-year-old Cork man, who pleaded guilty to helping two Afghan refugees flee the controversial Woomera detention centre in Australia is due to be sentenced tomorrow.

Jonathon O’Shea, of Kilmoney Heights in Carrigaline, entered his guilty plea at a sitting of Port Augusta court in Australia today.

The court was told today that O’Shea was in the country on a working Visa when he joined a group of people on a trip to the Woomera centre to show Asylum seekers solidarity.

The court heard that O’Shea was overcome with emotion by the plight of the refugees and subsequently acted irrationally by providing a tool used in the escape.

He has been in custody for three weeks after being refused bail, because of the seriousness of the offence.