Man and woman on human trafficking charges sent forward for trial to Circuit Court

A man and woman have been sent forward for trial by judge and jury to the Circuit Court in Letterkenny on charges of human trafficking.

Viorel Tanase, of Greenfields, Convoy, and Samariteanca Tinichigiu, of Manor Court, Convoy, are each accused of three counts of human trafficking in County Donegal on dates between March and April 2016.

Both co-accused, Mr Tanase, who is 31-years-old, and Ms Tinichigiu (30), appeared before Buncrana District Court for service of the Book of Evidence.

Garda Paul Shevlin gave evidence of having served the Book of Evidence on them.

Sgt Conor Mulkerns said the DPP has consented to both accused being sent forward for trial to the next scheduled sitting of the Circuit Court on February 3.

Judge Emile Daly then gave both the ‘alibi warning’.

“If you intend to rely on any alibi evidence in defence of this matter, you must give written notice to the State Solicitor’s office within fourteen days of today’s date,” she warned the defendants.

“I’m now making an order returning you for trial by judge and jury to the next sitting of the Circuit Court in Letterkenny, commencing on February 3.”

The judge also made the usual Section 56 order, directing that all video copies of Garda interviews be turned over to the defence.

The court heard how the pair had addresses in Convoy, County Donegal, but defence solicitor Rory O’Brien said their current address is now in County Cork. They were both released on continuing bail to the new address.

Meanwhile, a number of other charges against Mr Tanase, including allegedly driving at high speed to cause a road traffic collision in order to threaten or intimidate, were adjourned to June next.