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Monday December 4, 2023
The case was heard at Ballymena Magistrates Court. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Belfast (HOL) -A 22-year-old Somali asylum seeker is facing charges following two alleged sexual assaults in Northern Ireland. The incidents, involving a pregnant nurse and a policewoman, occurred at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, 88 km northwest of Belfast, and Antrim police station, respectively.
Abdullahi Hidig Salaad, residing at Cromore Court in Coleraine, was first arrested for assaulting a nurse. He allegedly approached her from behind and groped her. Later, at Antrim Police Station, he is accused of making uninvited physical advances towards a female police officer, including touching her waist and breast.
During his court appearance via video link and aided by an interpreter, Salaad admitted to the assault at the hospital, linking his actions to mental health issues. However, he claimed no recollection of the assault on the policewoman, though he expressed remorse for his actions.
The defence solicitor highlighted Salaad’s recent arrival in Northern Ireland, having been in the country for six months. His legal representation pointed out that Salaad, who is seeking asylum, may be grappling with mental health challenges, suggesting that these incidents could be a distressing “cry for help.”
The police officer told Ballymena Magistrates’ Court expressed opposition to granting bail to the defendant. She cited the severity of the allegations, including sexually assaulting a pregnant nurse “in a supposed place of safety and then further assaulted a female officer in a police station.” She added that police believe Salaad poses a risk to the public.
Faced with the challenge of balancing public safety with the rights of asylum-seekers with mental health issues, District Judge Nigel Broderick denied Salaad bail. Broderick emphasized the need for more information on his mental health and asylum status and adjourned to December 19.
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