The man accused of raping two young girls after they were allegedly lured from a children's party in Athlone has requested a transfer to Cloverhill Prison in Dublin.
The 30-year-old homeless man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been kept under protection and on suicide watch while in custody since he was charged and brought to Longford District Court last Tuesday.
The request for a prison transfer was made by his solicitor Gearoid Geraghty at Harristown District Court beside Castlerea Prison this morning. He told the court that they were instructions he had just received.
Judge Geoffrey Browne said that he did not have jurisdiction to order a transfer as it was an internal matter for the prison service.
He further remanded the accused man in custody to appear in court on October 18th. There were several gardai present.
The 30-year-old, who is originally from Co. Galway, wore a white t-shirt, jeans and white trainers in court. His was the first case to be called and the matter lasted little more than a minute.
He has been charged with four counts of rape against a 6-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl in Athlone last Saturday.
The girls were allegedly subjected to a sexual attack after they went missing from a children's party at a housing estate.
