German pair charged over people smuggling at Cork port

A German man and woman have appeared in court charged with offences relating to people smuggling at Cork Ferry Port.

David Hochs, aged 49, and 44-year-old Anna Edel, of no fixed abode, but originally from Viersen in Germany, appeared before Cork District Court this afternoon, assisted by an interpreter.

The court heard that on 8 November, gardaí on immigration duty at Cork Ferry Port in Ringaskiddy stopped and searched a rented campervan landing at the port on at approximately 10pm.

On searching the vehicle, gardaí discovered two Albanian men, aged in their 20s and 30, hidden in wardrobes inside the campervan.

The two men were refused entry to the State due to a lack of documentation and were yesterday, 9 November, deported back to France.

Gardaí arrested Mr Hochs, who they said was driving the rented campervan, and Ms Edel, who was in the passenger seat.

Giving evidence of arrest, Detective Garda Michelle Quinn told the court she arrested Anna Edel at Bridewell Garda Station at 6.10pm on 9 November.

She was subsequently charged at 7.39pm and made no reply when the charge was put to her.

Detective Garda Tony Holmes told the court he arrested David Hochs at Bridewell Garda Station at 6.15pm on 9 November. He was charged at 7.32pm and also made no reply.

Both face two charges; assisting the unlawful entry into the State of a person, and knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such transit into the State, was in breach of the said specified provision.

The court then heard that the couple had initially said that they were visiting Ireland for a five-day holiday but could not say where they were staying.

Detective Garda Holmes also told the court the accused had provided identification - and that they were liaising with German authorities to both verify their details and establish their home addresses.

'Far too serious' for district court

Gardaí today objected to bail on a number of grounds including the nature and seriousness of the charges.

Speaking through his interpreter, Mr Hochs told the court that he would remain in the jurisdiction.

"I can leave my passport here. Other than that, I have nothing else I can give as a guarantee. My life partner will stay with me," he said.

Judge David Waters remanded Mr Hochs and Ms Edel in custody with consent to bail on conditions, requiring each to enter a bond of €3000 each, of which €1000 in cash should be lodged.

Both must also surrender all travel documents and sign on daily between 9am and 9pm at Anglesea Street Garda station.

Judge Waters also refused jurisdiction of the case, saying that it was "far too serious a matter" for the district court.

The case has been adjourned to 17 November.