County Clare Man to Stand Trial for Alleged Role in Assisting Illegal Entry into Ireland

 Ennis, April 24 – A 75-year-old County Clare resident has been returned for trial to the Circuit Court over allegations that he facilitated the illegal entry of a 22-year-old woman into Ireland through the use of a fraudulent French identification card.

At a hearing before Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge Alec Gabbett formally returned Roger Bishop, of Little Thatch, Crown, Lissycasey, Co. Clare, for trial at the upcoming sittings of Ennis Circuit Court. Mr. Bishop faces two charges under the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021, arising from an alleged incident in March 2024.

The charges relate to claims that Mr. Bishop, who was reportedly in an online relationship with the woman — then residing in Turkey — provided her with false documentation, including a counterfeit French ID card, to assist her unlawful entry into the State via Dublin Airport.

Detective Garda Karen Barker of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) outlined that it is alleged Mr. Bishop travelled to Turkey on March 1, 2024, where he met the woman, purchased travel tickets and a fraudulent French ID card, and accompanied her to Ireland. Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, he allegedly presented his own passport and the falsified ID card, which bore the woman’s details, to facilitate her entry.

The court heard that the woman subsequently claimed asylum in Ireland. However, she later attempted to leave the jurisdiction and was returned to Dublin by Luxembourg authorities, still in possession of the same forged identity document.

Detective Garda Barker confirmed that no financial motive was attributed to Mr. Bishop, stating, “She wanted to come to Ireland and she got in a relationship. He basically thought he was in a relationship with her but when she arrived here, it didn’t go to plan.” The nationality of the woman has not been disclosed.

Although the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) initially directed that the case could be handled by the District Court, Judge Gráinne Malone declined jurisdiction last month. Citing the age disparity and the nature of the alleged fraud, Judge Malone remarked: “I appreciate that it is somewhat marginal but in all of the circumstances, particularly the age discrepancy between the two and the element of preparing a fraudulent ID card, I am refusing jurisdiction.”

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Garda Emmet Roche presented the Book of Evidence to Mr. Bishop’s solicitor, Colum Doherty. Judge Gabbett informed Mr. Bishop that with the Book now served, any plea would have to be entered at the Circuit Court level. He also advised that any intention to present an alibi must be submitted within 14 days.

Mr. Bishop, who turns 76 next month, faces two charges: possession of a fraudulent identity document with intent to assist illegal entry, and the intentional facilitation of another person's unlawful entry into the State, both contrary to provisions of the Immigration Act 2004 and the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021.