Man accused of ‘prolonged attack’ on woman banned from Donegal

A man accused of subjecting a woman to two “prolonged attacks” in Rathmullan has been ordered to stay out of County Donegal.

Usman Olanrewaju, who was brought before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court and has been charged with two serious assaults, was granted bail with strict conditions imposed. 

Garda Terence Gallagher gave evidence of arresting Olanrewaju at Chapel Road, Rathmullan at 12pm on March 24, 2026. When Olanrewaju, who has an address at Hallwell Park, Adamstown, Lucan, Co Dublin, was cautioned, he made no reply.

When charged with the offences at 6.36pm at Milford Garda Station, Olanrewaju told Gardai after each charge: “No comment”.

The 28-year-old is charged with two separate counts of assaulting a woman and causing her harm at Clearwater, Rathmullan, on March 20, 2026 and March 23, 2026. The charges are contrary to section 3 (1) and 3 (2) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, as amended by section 20 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2023.

Garda Gallagher said he was objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges and “the further charges that may be coming”. Garda Gallagher said that these incidents were “prolonged attacks”, one of which lasted from midnight to 5am and another lasting for two hours.

Garda Gallagher told the court that it was alleged that Olanrewaju had used his hands to strangle the woman, who found it hard to breathe.

After they parted ways, Olanrewaju continued to text the injured party and was alleged to have told her on one occasion: “If your father doesn’t come to collect you, you will be put in a body bag”.

Garda Gallagehr said that Olanrewaju has demonstrated a “history of moving” and there were concerns that he may not turn up for a further court date.

Solicitor for Olanrewaju, Mr Jason Laverty, said his client moved to Ireland in 2008 from Nigeria. He said he previously lived in Letterkenny until 2012 before the family moved to Tubbercurry and later moved to Dublin.

“Four addresses from 2008 to date - it is not that they moved a lot; that is an overreaction,” Mr Laverty said.

Mr Laverty told the court that “these are allegations” at this point and said his client enjoys the presumption of innocence. He added that there have not been any admissions at this stage.

Mr Laverty said his client is not a flight risk. He said Olanrewaju has work in a telecommunications centre “lined up” to begin in April. He told Judge Liddy that Olanrewaju resides with his mother and would abide by any conditions set out by the court.

Judge Liddy asked what the connection between the pair was and Mr Laverty said they began going out with each other. He said they had been in a “short-term relationship”.

Judge Liddy noted the objections, which he said were “well founded” and said it appears as if this is a “very serious matter”.

The judge said that Olanrewaju does enjoy the presumption of innocence. He said the imposition of conditions could meet his concerns over possible interaction with the complainant in the case.

“I am minded to grant bail, but there will be strict conditions - and if there is any slippage he will go directly to custody,” Judge Liddy said.

Olanrewaju is to reside at an address at Hallwell Park, Adamstown, Lucan, Co Dublin, and must provide Gardai with a telephone number and be contactable 24-7. Olanrewaju has to surrender all of his travel documentation and undertake not to apply for further documents and must sign on at Lucan Garda Station three times a week.

Olanrewaju must have no contact, either directly or indirectly, with the injured party. Olanrewaju was ordered to stay out of Co Donegal, save for court appearances and solicitor consultation, which must be notified to Gardai in advance.

Legal aid was granted to solicitor Mr Laverty and the case was adjourned to a later date for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).