A man accused of raping a sex worker at a Mitchell brothel early on Friday morning while allegedly under the influence of illegal drugs has been refused bail.
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Joseph Ayoub, 35, of Belmore, NSW, was charged with sexual intercourse without consent and causing actual bodily harm with intent to engage in sexual intercourse in the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Mr Ayoub also faced an earlier charge of possessing MDMA after failing to appear in the court last year.
The court heard Mr Ayoub entered Langtrees VIP at Mitchell shortly before 6am on Friday in the company of another man, where they sought to make a booking for sexual services.
Police documents tendered to the court said Mr Ayoub began flirting with a female sex worker in a bar area, before she told him she would not engage with him unless there was a booking.
Police allege Mr Ayoub resisted a mandatory sexual health check before grabbing the woman.
The court heard Mr Ayoub tried to kiss the woman before throwing her onto a bed and choking her.
The court also heard the woman was terrified for her life before Mr Ayoub is alleged to have digitally penetrated the woman while lying on top of her.
Police documents said Mr Ayoub was accused of raping the woman after refusing to wear a condom, and covering the woman's mouth to prevent her from screaming during the incident.
Defence lawyer Elias Tabchouri, appearing for Mr Ayoub, said Mr Ayoub denied all the allegations made against him and said injuries attributed to Mr Ayoub's actions could not be dated.
"He never had sexual intercourse with this woman ... he denies that 100 per cent," Mr Tabchouri said.
Mr Tabchouri said Mr Ayoub, a part-time bricklayer, had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and strict bail conditions could keep him out of the ACT to reside with his mother in Sydney.
"There's no better way of protecting the complainant, witnesses or otherwise," he said, arguing it was naive Mr Ayoub could expect the same level of mental health care in custody.
But prosecutor Nathan Deakes said Mr Ayoub had shown disregard for court orders and if the allegations were proved, he would spend a period of time in custody.
He said Mr Ayoub posed a risk to the complainant if released on bail, as he knew where she worked.
"All people regardless of their employment have the right to feel safe in their workplace," Mr Deakes said.
Magistrate Robert Cook said the allegations were serious and he was satisfied Mr Ayoub, who had an "extensive" criminal history, might reoffend if released.
Mr Ayoub was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on October 13.