A 23-YEAR-OLD ROMANIAN man has been remanded in custody charged with smuggling two men through Rosslare Europort.

Roberto Nickitean, described as a Romanian national, appeared before Judge John O’Leary at a special sitting of Wexford District Court this evening.

The accused, dressed in a dark jumper and trousers, sat in the body of the court as the charge was brought before the court.

Det. Garda Stephen Burke of Wexford Garda Station said that today at Wexford Garda Station he charged the accused, that on 30 May at Rosslare Europort he did intentionally assist entry into, transit across or presence in the State, such as entry into the State, and  was in breach of Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021.

Det. Burke told the court that the accused made no reply when the charge was put to him.

Defence Counsel, Ross Pratt-O’Brien, B.L., instructed by Maria Murphy, Solicitor, said there would be no application for bail this evening. He said an application for bail would be made next Tuesday.

Judge O’Leary said he would remand the accused in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on Tuesday next at 10:30am when a bail application can be heard.

Mr. Pratt-O’Brien applied for free legal aid which was granted. Also granted was an application for an interpreter.

The truck driver was arrested by gardaí in Wexford after gardaí and customs officials found two men hiding in a truck at Rosslare Europort on Friday morning.

Gardaí launched an investigation after the discovery of the men concealed in the truck at 8am during an immigration check. After their discovery, the two men were assessed by medical personnel.

It is understood the two males are currently in the Provision Centre in City West, Dublin, where they are being assessed.