‘Dubai Two’ mums arrested for ‘refusing to quarantine’ after boob job trip are being ‘treated worse than animals’
Mulreany and McGrath appeared at Tallaght District Court court on Saturday before Judge Miriam Walsh, who questioned if their trip was essential travel.
“Colloquially referred to as a boob job”, she later described their medical procedures as the reasons for their trip emerged.
They now face a £1,700 fine and a one-month in jail for breaking new 14-day hotel quarantine law for travellers arriving in Ireland.
The pair also face a demand for £2,125 to cover the cost of their quarantine.
The court heard police spent almost two hours trying explain the regulations to the women who claimed they did not know about the law change.
McGrath appeared first and wept throughout the hearing, at times shielded her face from the public gallery.
Both were supported by family members in the public gallery but did not address the court.
After appearing in court, the mums were detained at Dochas women’s prison in Dublin before bail conditions allowed them to quarantine in a double room at a hotel, according to the Irish Mirror.
Sabrina said: “They were kept in awful conditions in prison and left in a Garda van for almost four hours in the heat prior to their court appearance on Saturday as they could not enter the court house due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Both girls are suffering psychologically as we all are.”
The pair had reportedly checked travel guidelines with their airline last week before they departed the UK, and had obtained negative PCR tests before attempting to return home.
At Dubai airport the women claimed they had run out of money, and were therefore not able to board the flight.
They reportedly spent the next two days roaming the airport and nearby streets, with nowhere to go.
“They were left walking the streets of a foreign city for two days without any money and any help or guidance from the authorities there,” Sabrina said.
“The girls have done nothing wrong. They didn’t break any rules and followed all guidance.
Niamh’s dad, Eddie Freeman, reportedly tried to make contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as several embassies and politicians.
“They are very distressed. My daughter followed every travel rule. They were and are being treated in an unbelievable way,” Freeman said.
“When they arrived into Dublin at around midday on Friday they were again told they would have to go to quarantine but the girls refused to sign any documentation,” he said.
A spokesman from the Irish police said the two women were arrested for breaches of the Health Act, after failing to comply with gardai.
“Both women have since been charged,” he’s said.
Both women have been bailed and will appear again in court on April 9.