Rape attack on vulnerable Dungannon woman: two teenagers remanded in custody

Two teenagers face rape charges after allegedly assaulting a semi-conscious woman in an underground car park in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. A High Court judge refused bail, citing public safety concerns.

Two teenagers charged with rape of semi-conscious woman in Dungannon car park

Two teenagers have been remanded in custody after allegedly taking turns to rape a vulnerable, intoxicated woman they led into a secluded underground car park in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, itv.com reports.

The High Court heard on Monday that prosecutors allege the pair — one aged 18, the other 17 — were observed on CCTV grinning at each other during the attack, which is said to have taken place in the early hours of 10 September.

The 18-year-old accused, Alcino Soares, of Braeside in Dungannon, faces charges of rape, sexual assault, and two counts of aiding and abetting rape. His 17-year-old co-accused cannot be named due to his age.

CCTV shows victim 'extremely unsteady on her feet'

The complainant told police she had been on a night out in the town with friends when two males approached her in the street and walked her to a nearby empty underground car park. Crown lawyer Adrian Higgins told the court that CCTV footage showed her being assisted while "extremely unsteady on her feet".

According to the prosecution, the 17-year-old carried out the first assault while the woman was "drifting in and out of consciousness", with Soares keeping watch. Soares then allegedly moved her to a nearby wall where she was raped again. "They can be seen loitering on a busy street, identifying an intoxicated, vulnerable female and escorting her to a secluded car park before raping her," Mr Higgins told the court. At one point, one of the pair is said to have gestured to the other to take a photograph.

Accused claims encounter was consensual

During police interviews, Soares denied any wrongdoing, insisting all sexual activity had been consensual and that the woman "wanted it". When asked about her level of intoxication, he described her as "50/50", Mr Higgins disclosed.

A defence barrister noted that Soares had fully cooperated with police and had no prior criminal record.

Judge refuses bail over public safety concerns

Refusing Soares's bail application, Mr Justice Fowler described the alleged incident as "predatory group activity" and cited concern for public safety. "The facts of this case are distressing," he said.

Mr Higgins contended that the CCTV evidence showed a coordinated attack. "The two acted in unison, one keeping an eye out while the other committed offences," he submitted.

The case was heard at the High Court on Monday following the complainant's report to police in September.

Source: Irish Independent