A former Deliveroo driver has appeared in court charged with the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl in north Dublin. The 27-year-old man, who cannot be named due to Irish court restrictions in sexual assault cases, appeared before Judge Michele Finan on Wednesday after being arrested on Tuesday.
Garda Grainne Raggett told Dublin District Court that the accused denies the charge. She stated that Deliveroo had provided dates and timestamps for his location on the day of the alleged incident, February 15. A search warrant was executed on Tuesday, and the accused’s Deliveroo jacket and bag, waterproof trousers, and mobile phone were seized.
The garda said the accused, who followed proceedings through an interpreter, came to Ireland via the UK two years ago and has no valid immigration status. She also noted that gardaí are investigating two other alleged incidents and that further charges may be brought.
Ciara Murray BL, representing the defendant, said “he said he did not do what he is alleged to have done,” and although he was in Ireland illegally, he had worked for two years and “made his life here in Ireland.” Judge Finan said Garda Raggett had made a “very comprehensive and cogent” argument and refused bail.
The accused was granted legal aid and remanded in custody at Cloverhill before his next court appearance on March 18.
