The State is calling him "a serious flight risk".
An asylum seeker accused of raping a teenage girl in Athlone earlier this year has been refused bail.
The 23-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons and to protect the identity of his alleged victim, is charged in connection to the alleged incident at a location in the midlands town on a date unknown between February 16 and February 17, 2025.
The State objected to the bail on the grounds that the man represented what they're calling "a serious flight risk".
The Irish Independent is report the man is originally from Lesotho in South Africa, and arrived here in July 2024.
He's been remanded in custody to appear back before a sitting of Athlone District Court on July 2 when a book of evidence will be served.
Midlands Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Crash
Midlands Security & Defence Analyst Says Hoax Bomb Threats Aimed To Intimidate
Almost €446,000 Allocated To Midlands Community Centres And Clubhouses
Midlands Family Takes On Ireland’s Fittest Family Challenge
5K Fundraiser To Support Motor Neurone Disease Association Takes Place In Westmeath
No Slowing Down With Age As Westmeath Bowlers Shine At 14th Annual National Bowls Competition
Woman Appears In Court Over €280k Cannabis Seizure In Midlands