Asylum seeker arrested on deportation order after sexual assault charges withdrawn

The 27-year-old was returned to Midlands Prison after his release, as arrangements are made to deport him from Ireland

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was informed this morning that the charges against the accused had been withdrawn, with the DPP entering a nolle prosequi.

An asylum seeker whose charges relating to the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl near Citywest in Dublin last year were withdrawn this morning has been arrested pending deportation.

The 27-year-old, who had been in custody at Midlands Prison awaiting trial, was granted his freedom after Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had withdrawn the charges.

However, as the man was being released from prison, officers from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) were present to arrest him under a deportation order.

He was brought back into Midlands Prison while arrangements for his deportation are made.

It is understood gardaí were informed in advance that the DPP’s decision to withdraw the charges was imminent, allowing them to prepare the legal paperwork for his re-arrest under a deportation order issued by the minister.

Not all countries have agreements with Ireland to accept deportees, and it is believed the man’s home country does not have such an agreement. 

However, the Irish Examiner understands that the country in question has agreed to facilitate his travel from Ireland.

A brief statement from Garda HQ said: “A man in his 20s was arrested today by Gardaí from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on foot of a deportation order. The arrest took place in the Midlands area and the individual is currently in custody. No additional information is available at this time.”

Charges withdrawn by DPP

The original arrest and charging of the man in October 2025 caused considerable upset in the local community.

The incident was used by far-right agitators to fuel violent protests and disorder outside the Citywest asylum accommodation.

The foreign national, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had the assistance of an Arabic interpreter during earlier court hearings.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was informed this morning that the charges against the accused had been withdrawn, with the DPP entering a nolle prosequi.

The man had faced charges of sexual assault under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

The alleged offences occurred on Garter Lane, in Saggart, on October 20, 2025. The case had been sent forward for trial and was listed for mention this morning. The accused appeared via video link.

A nolle prosequi means the DPP has decided not to pursue a prosecution at that stage. Charges can, in theory, be brought again in the future.

The DPP is not required to state why charges have been withdrawn, although this can happen because of problems with the evidence.

The withdrawal of charges means the defendant is released from custody in relation to those charges and is presumed innocent.

People protest outside the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, south-west Dublin. Picture: PA

Protests followed original arrest 

Bricks and bottles were hurled at gardaí during violent disorder outside the Citywest hotel in the days after the man was charged.

More than 30 arrests were made by gardaí.