A teenager has been remanded in custody accused of being one of two males who took a woman into an underground carpark, each raping her while one kept watch.
Details of the terrifying allegations were disclosed as the teenager, who having turned 18 since the incident, can now be identified as Alcino Soares of Braeside, Dungannon was charged with rape, sexual assault and twice aiding and abetting an unknown male to rape, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court.
A detective constable confirmed all charges could be connected.
He explained the complainant attended with police to report being raped by two males on September 9.
After being out with friends in Dungannon, the males approached and walked her to an empty underground carpark.
She was taken to a rear corner and allegedly raped by one of the males, while the other “watched and laughed”.
CCTV was trawled which showed the unknown male with his arm around her waist before placing her against a pillar.
The detective said Soares “paced up and down, apparently keeping a look out. He laughed on a number of occasions whilst the unknown male appeared to be raping the injured party”.
He added: “At some points she appeared to be completely limp and may have been unconscious. She was unable to hold up her head and appeared ragdoll-like.”
She stumbled away, but the defendant approached and pulled down her lower clothing before allegedly raping her.
The unknown male reappeared and was laughing and seemingly took a photo, or video, of the alleged rape on his phone.
Soares walked away leaving the complainant lying on the ground, slumped over on her left-hand side.
The unknown male helped the complainant to her feet, before subjecting her to another sexual assault.
Both males then walked her from the carpark.
On September 23, police had cause to speak to the defendant after receiving reports he appeared to be following women and filming them on his phone.
When spoken to, he provided officers with false details, although he later corrected this.
Bodyworn footage from this incident was compared with the CCTV material from the carpark and the defendant was identified.
He was arrested and his home was searched which recovered clothing police believe he was wearing at the time of the alleged sexual attack.
Over ten mobile phones were also seized and it later emerged DNA matching the defendant was found on the complainant’s trousers.
After caution he replied: “I didn’t rape anyone. No way man. That wasn’t me.”
During interview he denied rape insisting all sexual activity was consensual and the complainant, “wanted it” and was “50/50 drunk”.
Objecting to bail, the detective pointed to the “predatory nature of how these two males exploited a young female which is supported by CCTV, showing each kept watch for the other”.
“We believe the defendant presents a high risk to the community, specifically young females.”
He added: “The second suspect has not yet been located and if released the defendant may be able to make him aware of evidence. In addition, the details of this case are very sensitive and distressing which may bring strong public feelings and create community tensions.”
Defence counsel said the balance in favour of bail “must be tipped in favour of the accused. He has raised the issue of consent. I appreciate how that may proceed particularly given the presence of another male, but nonetheless, that’s the case he makes.”
Refusing bail, District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: “Consent has been raised but that’s an issue for another court on another day. If convicted the defendant faces a significant period in custody and I have concerns he may abscond.”
Soares was remanded in custody and will appear again by video-link next month.
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