Un homme a violé une femme dans le centre de Dublin un an seulement après avoir été libéré de prison pour une attaque antérieure

A man convicted of rape in 2018 has been charged with another sexual assault in Dublin city centre, one year after his release from prison. Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, 48, is set to face sentencing for the new allegation following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The incident occurred on 9 or 10 February 2025, according to court records. Gharib, who resides at Mary Aikenhead House in Dublin 8, was previously incarcerated for raping a student he encountered on a bus and followed to Carlow. His conviction in 2018 led to a 10-year prison sentence, which he served until being released on 22 January 2024. During the recent trial, prosecutors presented evidence indicating that Gharib raped a second woman under circumstances involving drug use and coercion. The victim, known in court as Christina Foley, lives in a hostel for the homeless and had no prior connection with Gharib. According to testimony, the incident took place in a builders' shed located on Poolbeg Street in Dublin's city centre. The pair met on O’Connell Street around midnight. Both individuals were using crack cocaine and proceeded to the Oliver Bond flats to obtain more drugs. At the builders' cabin, Gharib attempted to touch the victim, whom he knew had a boyfriend. At approximately 5am, the victim informed Gharib she intended to sleep due to exhaustion and withdrawal symptoms. She stated she did not consent to any actions during her unconscious state. When she attempted to report the incident at Pearse Street Garda Station, Gharib allegedly threatened her, claiming he would make amends. The victim arrived at the station in distress and sought assistance from a guard, but was subsequently arrested for her behavior. Damage to the perspex glass at the station was noted, leading to the withdrawal of charges against her. Following the arrest, the victim returned to her hostel and was eventually transported to the Rotunda Hospital’s SATU unit. Forensic analysis confirmed a semen DNA match with Gharib, prompting his arrest at Kevin Street Garda Station. During interrogation, Gharib claimed the victim was engaging in blackmail and that she induced him to ejaculate while he was asleep. The victim appeared in court and delivered a victim impact statement read by prosecution barrister Tony McGillicuddy SC. She expressed a desire to waive her anonymity and described the treatment she received from gardaí during her attempt to report the crime. She recounted the discomfort caused by overly tight handcuffs and the emotional toll of the past three months. The victim also acknowledged suffering from anxiety and admitted to moments when she considered ending her life. In mitigation, defense lawyer Dara Foynes SC argued that Gharib does not accept the jury’s verdict, though he acknowledged that Ms. Foley has been vindicated. Gharib denies the allegations of rape, sexual assault, and threats made against the victim in July 2016, as well as a separate sexual assault on a bus in July of the same year. Prior to his 2018 conviction, Gharib’s legal team requested that his name not be published due to concerns over threats to his safety in Egypt. They cited fears that public identification might lead to his discovery by individuals seeking him in his home country. As the case proceeds, the focus remains on the justice system’s response to repeat offenses and the support available to victims of sexual violence. The outcome of Gharib’s sentencing will reflect the court’s assessment of the severity of his actions and the broader implications of his repeated criminal behavior.