Migrant, 26, whose arrest over sexual assault of 10-year-old Irish girl sparked riots in Dublin had been on deportation list for months
An immigrant who allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl outside an asylum seeker hotel in Dublin is awaiting deportation, the court heard today.
The 26-year-old appeared via video link before a judge at Cloverhill District Court in the city, where a violent riot broke out last night sparked by the alleged attack in the early hours of Monday and anger over immigrants in the city.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke through an Arabic translator during the 10-minute hearing during which he was detained again.
It was stated that the man, thought to come from an African country, came to the Republic of Ireland six years ago.
His application for asylum, known as international protection in Ireland, was allegedly rejected last year and he has been subject to a deportation order since March this year.
The alleged victim, who also cannot be named, was an Irish girl in care who reportedly ran away while being escorted on a trip.
He was allegedly attacked on Garter Lane, next to the sprawling Citywest Hotel and conference center in south-west Dublin, which houses up to 2,300 people, mostly those seeking international protection and a number of Ukrainian refugee families.
The center became a totem of anti-immigration sentiment in Ireland.
An immigrant who allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl outside an asylum seeker hotel in Dublin was awaiting deportation (image: Tuesday night riots)
Violence broke out near the City West Hotel where the attack allegedly took place
Angry protests over the man’s arrest and the use of the complex for asylum seekers turned violent outside the hotel last night, with bricks and bottles thrown at riot police.
The girl’s alleged attacker is currently being held at the 431-inmate Cloverhill Prison, a medium-security prison for adult males, next to Cloverhill District Court.
After Judge Alan Mitchell dismissed the public from court, leaving only the media and legal representatives to remain, he appeared on the prison screen wearing a gray jumper.
It was anticipated the man would apply for bail, but this did not happen and he was not required to enter a plea.
The defense lawyer, who asked not to be named in the court papers due to the riot last night, said, “We are not applying for bail today, but we reserve the right to do so at a later date.”
During the hearing, the man spoke animatedly to the Arabic interpreter sitting in the courtroom, prompting the judge to ask if the defendant wanted to make another point during the hearing.
After speaking to the interpreter, the defense lawyer said: ‘Applying for (bail) does not seem to be a problem. Seems to be a problem with other ancillary points.’
Judge Mitchell said if the man wanted to apply for bail in the future he must be given 48 hours’ notice.
Image: Exterior view of Cloverhill District Court in Dublin
Gardai are at the scene of the chaos outside the Dublin Hotel, which used to house asylum seekers, near the Citywest Hotel. Picture date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Protesters in Saggart broke out in chaos outside the Citywest Hotel, which used to house asylum seekers. Picture date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
The defense lawyer said an application was made for the man to undergo medical and psychiatric evaluation. The judge said this would include a report on his fitness to stand trial.
Judge Mitchell remanded him in custody until November 5 to appear at the same court via video link.
He added: ‘I recommend that he be seen by doctors for medical and psychiatric assessment and that he be provided with any appropriate treatment required.’
While the defendant continued talking to his translator, the defense lawyer said: ‘He will stay in prison now, and we will try to take him somewhere.’
Judge Mitchell said hearings in the case may need greater security in the future and ordered future hearings to be first on the court docket.
