Two women from Spain were brought before Ballina District Court on Tuesday following charges brought against them for offences against Section 11 of the Criminal Sexual Offences Act 1993, for running a brothel in the Quay area of Westport.
Detective Garda Declan Sweeney told the court that on Friday February 20 at 9.15pm he arrested Saray Bejar Munuera, with a listed address of 6 The Anchorage, Westport, and later charged the 28-year-old on February 21 and on Tuesday February 24 in relation to running the illegal brothel. In response Munera replied: “I’m sorry.”
Garda Roisin Loftus outlined that she arrested Nataliya Bilushenko, The Anchorage, Westport, at 9.15pm on February 20 for alleged brothel keeping and charged her on February 21 and on Tuesday 24, with the 33-year-old replying: “I know this is illegal in Ireland and I am very sorry. I am very, very sorry I never intended to do this... I have a normal life in Spain.”
The women, who represented themselves, were afforded the opportunity to consult with a solicitor, with Peter Loftus telling the court later that day that he would be representing them.
Judge Mary Devins directed that statements be furnished to Mr Loftus and remanded the women on continuing station bail of €500 cash to appear before Westport District Court on March 19.
