A couple accused of child cruelty have had their bail conditions amended to permit them to move to England.

The man and woman who are aged in their thirties but cannot be named to protect the identities of the children, are jointly accused of two counts each of wilfully neglecting twin boys in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on 4 November 2020.

The three-month-old boys were first taken by ambulance to South West Acute Hospital, before being transferred to Intensive Care in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

A third person was arrested several days later and released, pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

The case has been mentioned on a number of occasions before Enniskillen Magistrates Court and during a previous update, a detective constable disclosed the National Crime Agency had become involved.

A defence barrister described the case as having: “The very distinct hue of a monstrous injustice perpetrated on the defendants.”

He referenced a medical report from a consultant haematologist, which: “Takes on an entirely different impression of the situation. This is a case which is most unlikely to go anywhere near meeting the test for prosecution.”

He felt the detective’s view: “May change considerably on seeing the medical report.”

But she responded: “I know what the haematology opinion is and the defence belief that haemophilia may have led to where we are. But further evidence has come to light in relation to another baby in Sussex who ended up in the same situation. That child received urgent medical attention and didn’t suffer the complications of the children in this instance.”

Despite the opinion of the defence barrister, to date the case is continuing.

Last week the court was advised the male defendant is due to take up a professional role in an undisclosed area of England: “Similar to that which he currently holds.”

Adjustment of bails terms to allow him to move away, along with the woman was requested.

On return today (Wednesday) the detective said agreement had been reached in this respect.

Both accused remain banned from contact with the children without the prior approval of Social Services and must surrender their Passports.

They must report monthly to police and cannot leave the United Kingdom without PSNI permission.

The case is due to be mentioned again next month.