Judge David Waters denied bail, citing the “random nature” of the alleged attack on a stranger and testimony that Mr Ahsan allegedly approached another woman earlier that night.
“I don’t believe there are any conditions that could address these concerns,” he said.
Muhammed Ahsan (22) was accused of false imprisonment at Clieveragh, Listowel between 3 and 3.15am.
Mr Ahsan is further charged with endangerment where it is alleged that he was driving onto a main road with his passenger front door open while the woman’s legs were out of the vehicle, causing a substantial risk of death or serious harm.
He was also charged with dangerous driving and theft of a mobile phone valued at €550.
Mr Ahsan entered Listowel Courthouse in a grey sweatsuit, covering his head with a small red shirt. An Urdu interpreter was present.
Proceedings began with the defendant’s solicitor, Brendan Ahern, requesting media restrictions be imposed for the safety of his wife and two young children.
Last week, at Cork District Court, Judge Mary Dorgan ordered that media not to publish Mr Ahsan’s address or report details that could identify the complainant.
Judge Waters said he did not have authority to impose further reporting restrictions.
Detective Garda Shane O’Driscoll of Listowel Garda Station then took the stand and argued against bail, highlighting the seriousness of alleged offences on September 28.
He alleged that between 3.10 and 3.30am, Mr Ahsan dragged the woman into the passenger door of his car by grabbing her shoulder and, when she broke loose from this he “dragged her into the car from behind”.
It was further alleged that Mr Ahsan drove the car onto a main road with the passenger door open while the woman hung out of the vehicle.
He was witnessed driving up and down the road, said Det O’Driscoll. When gardaí approached, he ran and hid behind a tree, the court heard.
“There is strong evidence of the case captured on CCTV,” he told the court.
The detective said the accused and complainant had an earlier interaction but had not known each other previously. He said there was a statement by another woman who had been approached earlier that night by the defendant.
The complainant, a 20-year-old woman, had bruises over her body, legs and knees. She was attended by a doctor.
Det O’Driscoll told the court that false imprisonment is punishable with a life sentence. “I believe there’s a danger to life and the community,” he said, adding: “He presents a danger to the life and safety of women and also presents a danger to the community”.
Det O’Driscoll noted the arrest was within “a couple of hundred yards” from the alleged site of the incident and gardaí had recovered the phone nearby.
Mr Ahern asked Detective O’Discroll if his client co-operated with gardaí.
“To a certain extent, judge,” said the detective.
“You will accept if he was to be refused bail today, he’d be waiting a long time for trial,” replied Mr Ahern.
The accused entered the jurisdiction as an asylum seeker in 2023 and is father to a toddler and an infant. He has no previous convictions in Ireland but his criminal record was unknown outside of the jurisdiction.
“We don’t know, we’re making requests,” said Detective O’Driscoll.
He added that Mr Ahsan’s landlord had informed gardaí that his wife and children had moved. “We don’t know where they are,” he said.
Detective O’Driscoll stressed bail was not recommended.
“We would have serious reservations,” he said. “Especially given the fact that there’s another lady who was approached by this man shortly before this incident.”
Mr Ahsan worked in a Listowel phone shop, his solicitor told the court.
“We’re not fully sure what his role in the shop is,” noted the detective.
Judge Waters stopped proceedings when it appeared Mr Ahsan was in discussion with the translator.
“He seems to be having a conversation,” said the judge. “Listen to what’s being said and if he wants an opportunity to speak, he’ll be given that.”
Addressing concerns that his client was a flight risk, Mr Ahern noted his client’s wife and children lived in Ireland and that he had gathered €3,000 for bail.
“Judge, it’s very easy to get into a car and drive to Northern Ireland out of jurisdiction,” said Detective O’Driscoll.
Judge Waters said his concerns regarding bail related to the seriousness of the offence.
“The flight risk would be low on the list of concerns,” said Judge Waters. “The concern is that, no matter what conditions I apply, it could reoccur.”
Judge Waters then denied bail.
“The concern for me is the apparent random nature of the case and that I’ve heard he approached another woman on the same night.”
Mr Ahsan will remain in custody and appear in Tralee on October 15 by video link. A book of evidence will be prepared.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme