Man tells Cork court ‘I will be killed’ if  deported

A man facing deportation, who was charged yesterday with escaping from custody as he was being taken into Cork Prison, said: “I will be killed if I return to Egypt because I am gay.”

This was one of the replies given by Ahmed Ibrahim, aged 34, of The Cooperage, Boheereencael, Killarney, Co Kerry, when he was formally arrested and charged by Detective Sergeant Ernie Henderson.

Det Sgt Henderson gave evidence at Cork District Court of the accused man giving this reply after he was cautioned in relation to the charge of escaping from lawful custody when he was being taken into Cork Prison on January 15.

He was also charged with obstructing a member of An Garda Síochána during this alleged escape.

The defendant was arrested in Enniscorthy on February 20 and brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court the following day, when he was charged with assault causing harm to Garda Marian McCarthy at Cork Prison, allegedly arising out of the same incident.

The accused was represented in Cork District Court by solicitor Eddie Burke on free legal aid.

Det Sgt Henderson said it was anticipated that the garda file on the case would be ready to go to the DPP in one week.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Mr Ibrahim in custody until April 1, on the application of Sergeant John Dineen.