Mohamad Ismail: Alleged rapist arrested after flying back from Lebanon

An alleged rapist has been arrested following his return to Sydney, having allegedly fled the country and spent more than a year in the Middle East.

Manly Local Court, where Mohamad Ismail was refused bail on Wednesday. Picture: Monique Harmer

An alleged rapist has been arrested following his return to Australia, having allegedly fled the country and spent more than a year abroad.

Mohamad Ismail, 48, flew to Lebanon just before a scheduled court appearance in March 2023, Manly Local Court heard on Wednesday.

A warrant was subsequently issued for the arrest of the Merrylands man, who had been required to face Burwood Local Court after pleading not guilty to a charge of sexual intercourse without consent over an alleged incident in September 2022.

He has also pleaded not guilty to three other charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

Ismail, who was arrested on Tuesday, now also faces a charge of failing to appear in court, to which he is yet to enter a plea.

Manly Local Court heard he had spent more than 12 months in Lebanon, but the date of his arrival back in Sydney was not disclosed.

During a bail application, magistrate Margaret McGlynn said Ismail had signed an affidavit saying he had to travel to Lebanon to attend to “family matters”.

Burwood Local Court, where Mohamad Ismail was due to appear in March 2023.

His father was recovering from an operation when Ismail arrived in the Middle Eastern country, the court heard.

Ismail’s mother also had surgery while he was there.

Arguing for his client to be released on bail, solicitor Eidan Havas said Ismail had travelled back to Sydney of “his own volition”.

“He’s come back to this country … knowing he would be arrested,” Mr Havas said.

“He is under no illusion that this is a serious matter.”

Mr Havas told the court Ismail would defend the charges levelled at him and “go to trial”.

Ms McGlynn ultimately denied Ismail bail.

She said there were allegations the 48-year-old had threatened the rape complainant and the woman had to be protected.

“It is certainly a serious case,” she said.

“He faces a maximum 14 years in jail if convicted.”

Ismail is next due in Burwood Local Court on November 27.