A MAN has been accused of assaulting a woman who left her “covered in blood” in Dublin after forcing her into the boot of a car.
Oufiane Mountassir, 38, a Moroccan national who has lived in Dublin since June and had an address in Mountjoy Square, was denied bail when he appeared before Judge Cephas Power at Cloverhill District Court.
He had been charged with assault and false imprisonment in the Dublin 7 area, north of the city, on November 13.
The judge noted that it had been alleged that the accused had “integrated” into the applicant’s home within a week of meeting her.
The former fish market worker requested bail but faced objections from Garda Conall Walsh.
The investigating officer expressed concern about the seriousness of the offense and feared the defendant was at risk of absconding or disturbing witnesses.
Defense attorney Sharon Rossiter said her client will remain in the state if released.
In his ruling, Judge Power noted that witnesses allegedly saw a man pick up the woman and force her into the trunk of a car.
It was claimed that she appeared “lifeless” and was “beaten several times” when later placed in the passenger seat.
The bail hearing was told the woman was “covered in blood” and was visibly distraught and frightened.
Judge Power found that the defendant had no arrest warrant or criminal record and he was not awaiting trial on any other matter.
Mr Mountassir arrived in Ireland from the UK five months ago, traveling from Glasgow to Belfast.
He previously lived and worked in Rome, Italy, for 14 years, the court heard.
The accused listened to the proceedings with the help of an interpreter, but did not address the court.
Judge Power stressed the defendant still has the presumption of innocence and he must consider bail with a number of conditions. However, he was convinced that this was not appropriate and refused him bail.
He remanded Mr Mountassir, who has not yet filed an application, to appear again on December 15 for instructions from the chief prosecutor.
