Man refused bail over alleged bus sexual assaults in West Cork

A man accused of sexually assaulting two female bus passengers on consecutive days in West Cork has been refused bail, the Irish Examiner reported. The accused appeared before Bantry District Court, where the presiding judge determined that there was strong evidence against him and a significant risk that he would leave the State. [1]

Garda#1 objected to the man's release during the hearing, according to the Irish Examiner. Garda#1 cited the seriousness of the alleged offences, the flight risk, and concerns that the accused might commit further offences if released. For legal reasons, the court did not name the accused man. [1]

The Irish Examiner reported that the court heard details regarding the man's response when confronted by one of the victims. When a woman asked him what he was doing, he allegedly replied that it was an accident and claimed that he was falling asleep. The court heard that the accused claimed he may have fallen asleep on both occasions. [1]

West Cork is a municipal district in County Cork, Ireland, that includes the town of Bantry alongside Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Dunmanway, Schull, and Skibbereen. Geographically, the region features prominent peninsulas such as Mizen Head, Sheep's Head, and Beara. [2][3]