Rape accused remanded in custody

Appearing before East Tyrone Magistrates was Ivo Sow, from Drumcoo Green, who is accused of raping a woman in Cookstown on April 21.

A detective constable under oath said the charge could be connected.

The court heard the woman was socialising in Cookstown on the night in question and was discovered in a confused state during the early hours of the morning.

Members of the public contacted police and an ambulance attended the scene.

She had no recollection of the previous night when she woke up in Antrim Area Hospital the next day.

An application was made for bail which was objected by the officer, who said Sow had breached his bail terms a number of times whilst after being initially interviewed by police as the investigation was progressing.

The officer also highlighted a concern that Sow, who is Portuguese, may attempt to flee the jurisdiction.

Despite the defence stating a surety was available and Sow would abide by any conditions imposed, bail was refused.

Deputy District Judge Bonita Boyd deemed the risk too great given the gravity of the charge.

Sow, who had all matters relayed by interpreter, was remanded in custody and will appear by video-link on September 5.