Fermanagh sexual assault accused remanded in custody after breaching bail

The accused is facing charges of sexual assault of a child under 13 years old, and also possession of a Class-B drug on a separate date.

The man is not named, to protect the identity of the child.

A police officer told the court at around 7.35pm on Saturday, June 19, the injured party was in a park waiting for a friend when they noticed someone watching them from behind a tree.

She shouted out: “I know you are watching me.”

It was then that the accused stepped out, and she recognised the defendant, who told her it was a joke.

As she walked away, he allegedly called her name several times, and as she glanced back, she saw a young woman she recognised from the village walking over to them.

The injured party’s mother then contacted the police.

Myles McManus told Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday that his client denied the breach.

Evidence

The defendant gave evidence himself, saying he had been at a parade in Maguiresbridge that evening.

The police officer said she had spoken to officers on duty that evening and while they said they knew the accused, they did not see him at the parade, although she added that this did not rule out his attendance at the parade.

The court heard an alibi was given to the police, but the person refused to provide details of any other people who were present.

The accused denied being anywhere near the park where the incident allegedly took place, or breaching his bail conditions.

The police officer objected to bail on the grounds of the severity of the offence, the risk of interference with the injured party or mother, and the accused’s disregard for bail conditions.

In refusing bail, District Judge Steven Keown said “upon careful consideration of the facts and circumstances, and the detailed statement of the injured party”, he found a breach had occurred, and the accused “cannot be managed by bail conditions”.

He remanded the defendant in custody to appear again on June 28.