A judge has ordered Social Services to find suitable accommodation for a County Fermanagh boy who allegedly wielded a machete at a male relative and threatened to kill a female.

When the case appeared in court both police and the defence lawyer noted Social Services had declined to become involved given the mention of the weapon, but this was rejected by District Judge Michael Ranaghan.

The accused, who cannot be identified due to his age, is charged with being in possession of a machete, threatening the female, assaulting the male, damaging a door of his property and attempting to damage his car.

A police officer told Dungannon Magistrates Court all charges which relate to an incident on 8 April, could be connected.

While bail was not opposed, an issue arose over a suitable address as the boy’s relative was refusing to have him back.

Judge Ranaghan enquired if Social Services were involved to which a defence lawyer replied: “Unfortunately not, although they have been contacted.”

The police officer explained social workers: “Became concerned when the machete was mentioned. The notion was to try to find somewhere but they were unable. (Accused) is not eligible to be fostered because of the violence involved.”

Asked if the machete has been seized, the officer replied: “The area was searched but it wasn’t found. Police have not located it.”

This was confirmed by the defence who said: “There was an exhaustive search, and no such weapon was recovered. It is most disappointing Social Services haven’t used their best endeavours to seek alternative accommodation because the Juvenile Justice Unit is not the best place for this young man.”

Cutting the hearing short Judge Ranaghan remarked: “This is a youth albeit, these are very serious charges. He will be getting out today subject to a suitable address. Social Services should make every effort to get (accused) rehoused or find a place of safety for him. The mention of a weapon is all well and good but surely there are places which could take him where that is less of an issue.”

He added: “I have no doubt (accused) is utterly confused as to what’s going on around him and he needs the urgent assistance of Social Services. That’s coming from me and I’ll be checking up on this.”

Bail was set at £100 along with a ban on contact with either injured party.

The case was adjourned to Enniskillen Youth Court on a date to be fixed.