A BRAZILIAN student accused of making a false allegation that she was raped in Dublin has been given more time to consider how she is to plead.

Thais Regina De Oliveira (20) had the case against her adjourned for another two days when she appeared in Dublin District Court this morning.

The DPP has already directed that her case can only be dealt with in that court if she pleads guilty.

If she decides to contest the charge, the English language student will be sent for trial by judge and jury to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Ms De Oliveira, who had been living at Cabra Park, but is now living in Blackrock is charged with making a false statement to officers at Mountjoy Garda Station on 25 August.

She allegedly told gardai she was dragged down a laneway by three men and sexually assaulted as she walked to work at Cabra Park on August 24.

Detective Garda Kevin Keys said a disclosure order made by the court had been complied with by the prosecution.

Defence Solicitor Peter Keatings said a “small disclosure issue” had arisen and requested an adjournment.

Judge Anthony Halpin put the case back to this Friday and remanded the defendant on continuing bail.

Ms De Oliveira, wearing a brown leather jacket, blue jeans and dark brown boots remained silent during the brief hearing.

Previously, the court was told the DPP had directed summary trial of the case in the District Court on a guilty plea only. If the accused opts for trial in the circuit court, she faces a maximum potential sentence of five years on conviction.

On conviction in the district court, a sentence of up to one year could be imposed.

Ms De Oliveira spent five days in prison on remand before she was able to take up bail, which had been set at €1000.

During the initial bail hearing, gardai alleged that the defendant persisted with a rape claim for 12 days and identified a man she had met.

The court was told the accused allegedly wasted “considerable” garda resources in her claim and officers “came close” to making an arrest before she made admissions.

Online Editors