A university student, Taimoor Abid aged 22, has been formally charged before Galway District Court on allegations of causing severe alarm or distress to a lady representing public office. His residential address was given as Caiseal Ur, Bóthar Stíofáin, Knocknacarra, Galway. The court hearing took place on Friday in a special session at Galway District Court.
The allegations against Mr Abid suggest that within a two day period from 6th to 7th of April, he intentionally or thoughtlessly, without any lawful jurisdiction or valid excuse, caused a woman significant harm or distress. This negatively affected her routine activities to a great extent. It was also added that a sensible person would recognise that such actions could cause the other person to fear potential violence against her or anyone associated with her, or intense alarm or distress.
Presiding officer, Judge Gerard Furlong commented that the case may attract some attention. He emphasised that no mention should be made of the alleged victim’s identity or any related information that could lead to her recognition “at this point in time”.
The court was informed by Detective Garda Mark Kelly of the arrest of Mr Abid on the 6th of June at 6.38pm, with no response from the accused following his single charge caution.
Defence attorney, Catherine McDarby, stated that except for one, all bail conditions were agreed upon with the State. She noted that her client’s plans included travelling to Kuwait for a holiday with his mother and this would necessitate his passport.
She assured the court that her client, an Irish citizen and third-year university student will surrender his passport and other travel papers upon his return. She argued that her client’s strong connection to Ireland makes him unlikely to abscond.
Detective Garda Kelly, however, expressed concerns over the possibility of Mr Abid failing to return, considering the seriousness of the charge against him.
Ms McDarby defended her client by declaring that the travel arrangements had been made prior to his arrest.
Judge Furlong stated he will not make changes to the bail provisions and the defendant must renounce his passport. He observed that the time frames of the purported infractions far outweigh the booking period.
The judge reminded the defendant that two conditions are always applied to any bail: the individual facing charges must appear on each court date until the case concludes, and said individual must demonstrate good conduct.
For this particular case, he specified, the defendant is also obliged to reside at the address provided, adhere to a set curfew, avoid contact with the alleged victim or any related individuals, sign in thrice weekly, and relinquish his passport within a day.
Moreover, Judge Furlong granted Ms McDarby’s legal aid request.
An instruction was issued to place Mr Abid on bail, and to reappear in court on the 22nd of July.