A Romanian national who was arrested on a European Arrest Warrant for an alleged sexual assault on another male on a bus has appeared back in court after getting bail.
The judge commented: “This is one case which rewrites my understanding of bail”.
Ilie Bojan, with a Romanian address given to the court, appeared charged with sexual assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday.
The alleged offence dates back to November 23, 2012.
At the accused’s first appearance last week, on foot of a European Arrest Warrant, District Judge Bernie Kelly refused bail on the grounds that the flight risk was too high.
The defendant appeared on Friday having been released on bail following an application to the High Court.
Judge Kelly stated: “This is one case which rewrites my understanding of bail, it is almost as if this is not an offence if it is committed on another male but that would show gender bias higher in the judiciary.”
Defence barrister Conor Lunny said he believed that there may be CCTV evidence which Bojan’s solicitor was yet to view.
Judge Kelly replied: “Yes there is, believe it or not this happened on a public bus.”
She added: “He escaped the jurisdiction, it is beggars belief that he got bail.”
Mr Lunny said: “CCTV seems to be the central plank and Mr Gillen would like to have sight of that.”
Prosecution informed the court that papers in the case were not present.
The case was adjourned until October 18 for papers to be lodged.
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