Man tells Cork judge he 'will be killed' if he is deported to Egypt

The man had escaped from custody as he was being taken into Cork Prison in January, but then arrested in Enniscorthy last month

The man was charged on Thursday with escaping from custody as he was being taken into Cork Prison. File picture: Dan Linehan

A man facing deportation who was charged on Thursday with escaping from custody as he was being taken into Cork Prison said: “I will be killed if I return to Egypt because I am gay.” 

This was one of the replies given by 34-year-old Ahmed Ibrahim of The Cooperage, Boheereencael, Killarney, County Kerry, when he was formally arrested and charged by Detective Sergeant Ernie Henderson.

Det. Sgt Henderson gave evidence at Cork District Court of the accused man giving this reply after he was cautioned in relation to the charge of escaping from lawful custody when he was being taken into Cork Prison at Rathmore Road on January 15.

He was also charged with obstructing a member of An Garda Síochána during this alleged escape in January.

The defendant was arrested in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, on February 20 and brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court the following day when he was charged with assault causing harm to Garda Marian McCarthy at Cork Prison on January 15, allegedly arising out of the same incident.

The accused was represented in Cork District Court by Eddie Burke, solicitor, on free legal aid.

Det. Sgt Henderson said it was anticipated that the garda file on the case would be ready to go to the Director of Public Prosecutions in one week.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Ahmed Ibrahim in custody until April 1, on the application of Sergeant John Dineen.