A Palestinian man, Ziad Khawla, accused of raping a 15-year-old child in an abandoned nightclub in Belfast, is to be given bail, as ruled by a High Court judge. Ziad Khawla (24) is charged with assaulting a minor after extending a cigarette offer during an incidental meeting near the city centre.
The defendant, Ziad Khawla, residing at Abbeyville Court in Newtownabbey, asserts that any interaction was confined to a fleeting kiss.
Prosecutors stated that the adolescent contacted the police on March 2 of this year, alleging that he had been assaulted by a stranger who approached him outside the Waterfront Hall to enquire whether he desired a smoke.
According to his testimony, they proceeded to a neighbouring abandoned nightclub building when the man starting kissing the youngster.
He was then allegedly pushed onto the ground and subjected to a serious sexual assault for approximately one minute.
“The complainant told him that he was only 15, at which point the male left,” a Crown lawyer said.
Ziad Khawla, a Palestinian-born asylum seeker, was arrested following CCTV and forensic inquiries.
He denies charges of rape and sexual assault in connection with the incident.
Defence barrister Patrick Tasggart told the court his client claims it was the teenager who made advances and tried to kiss him.
“He briefly kissed back and that was the extent of the interaction,” counsel said.
“He denies any allegations (of sex), whether forced or consensual.”
Mr Taggart also expressed concerns over the alleged victim’s version of events.
“(He says) there was a request for a cigarette and then he voluntarily went to a derelict building with a man who was a stranger,” the barrister submitted.
“No explanation has been given for that type of behaviour by a 15-year-old.”
Although married, Ziad Khawla sought release from custody to live at an address in Belfast with a friend who works as a barber.
Granting bail, Mr Justice McAlinden imposed a curfew, electronic monitoring and ordered the friend to lodge a £2,000 cash surety.
Ziad Khawla must also inform police if he ever plans to have a sexual relationship with anyone apart from his wife.
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