A 19-year-old man allegedly raped a woman in Belfast city centre within minutes of meeting her, a court heard today.

Police claimed Marko Dolhir pulled her into an alleyway at Little May Street after waiting in the area for up to an hour.

Dolhir, an Iranian national with an address at Sandringham Drive in Leeds, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with rape, attempted rape and sexual assault over the incident on November 25.

He denies the allegations, telling police any contact was consensual. Opposing bail, a detective constable claimed there were risks he could leave the jurisdiction or commit further offences. She told the court Dolhir had allegedly been in the area for up to an hour, waiting for a “vulnerable” female.

Within two minutes of meeting the woman he pulled her into an alleyway where the alleged offences were committed, according to police. The court was told CCTV footage was used to identify him.

Defence solicitor Brendan Blaney disclosed that Dolhir has been living in the UK for two years. Mr Blaney stressed his client had answered all queries during three days of police questioning.

“He gave a full account which, in essence, amounted to a consent defence,” the lawyer said. But the detective insisted Dolhir only made that case after DNA evidence was put to him.

“This incident highlights he has contacts in different areas of the UK,” she added.

“He was able to stay at an address in Northern Ireland.”

Bail was refused due to the potential risk of re-offending. District Judge Fiona Bagnall said: “If it’s correct that there’s an element of predatory waiting for someone vulnerable to come along, I have to say I’m not prepared to grant bail.”

Dolhir was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link in four weeks time.

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