Egyptian fisherman arrested

AN Egyptian fisherman arrested in West Cork was remanded on bail last week, after he was charged with a breach of the Immigration Act when he appeared in court.

Mohamed Elfallah (23) was charged with failing to produce a valid passport or equivalent identification documents at Union Hall pier on November 4th.

The State alleges Elfallah failed to produce the necessary documents when requested to do so by Gda James Crowley, contrary to Section 12 of the Immigration Act.

Judge James McNulty noted at Bandon District Court that Elfallah had been brought before him initially at Macroom District Court, shortly after his arrest on November 4th.

He had remanded him in custody to allow gardai check out whether he had a valid passport and if he resided at an address that he had given gardai, in Co Louth.

Insp Jerry Lacey said a relative of Elfallah had produced his passport at Drogheda Garda Station and a photocopy of the passport had been sent to gardai in West Cork.

Gardai were satisfied that Elfallah was who he said he was, and they were also satisfied that he was living at a rental address at Calendar House, Bachelor’s Lane in Drogheda.

Insp Lacey said that, in the circumstances, gardai had no objection to Elfallah, who has been working in Ireland for two years as a fisherman, being released on bail on the sole charge.

Judge McNulty granted Elfallah free legal aid after hearing he was earning €500 a week as a fisherman and he appointed solicitor Ray Hennessy to represent him.

He noted the charge related to Union Hall and he remanded Elfallah on his own bond of €500 to appear again at Skibbereen District Court on December 8th next.