Man charged with raping deaf woman in Belfast must stay in custody

Francis Gavin’s lawyer argued that he should be released amid fears of attack by other prisoners because of the alleged offence.

But the 23-year-old was refused bail to live with a relative who he is accused of assaulting in a separate incident.

Gavin, of Glen Road Heights in the city, is charged with carrying out the sex attack last Friday along with 18-year-old David Spence.

Police claim Spence, from Ardcaoin Avenue in the Dunmurry area, had arranged a meeting with the woman over social media.

He manipulated and coerced her into getting a taxi to the traveller site on the Glen Road, an investigating detective alleged.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard the woman, who is in her 30s, also suggested her drink may have been spiked.

Both men deny charges of rape, insisting all contact with the woman was consensual.

Lawyers for Spence argued that he and the woman shared “intimate and suggestive” social media exchanges before meeting.

Photographs were also sent between her and Spence, the court heard.

On Monday Spence was granted bail to stay with his parents under curfew.

In court on Tuesday District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told the only possible address was that of a relative he is accused of assaulting during an incident last month.

Defence solicitor Eamon O’Connor stressed that she has now withdrawn her allegation against his client.

But denying bail, Judge Bagnall ruled that the proposed address was unsuitable.

She remanded Gavin in custody to appear again by video-link on March 22.