The Director of UISCE which is based in the Clinton Centre, Enniskillen who was accused of “victim-blaming” in court has called the judge’s comments “counter-productive”.

Keith McNair gave evidence for a defendant during a bail hearing at Enniskillen Magistrates Court which the Deputy District Judge labelled as “victim-blaming’.

Alioune Sow was using the Clinton Centre as a bail address and was charged with abducting a child.

Mr. McNair, who took over the centre in 2020, said in his evidence: “Ali is not the issue. This girl is persistently pursuing him. The collective response has unfortunately not worked. She’s chasing him.”

Kerri Flood, Interim CEO of Fermanagh Women’s Aid, said the language used by Mr. McNail was “fundamentally wrong”.

Responding to media references Mr. McNair said: “Some commentators acknowledge they do not know the facts yet opine liberally. Some other comments were clearly discriminatory.”

“Frustrating as it is for all who are concerned, it is obvious that the response from the Trust and police simply is not working. Change is needed and part of that must include teenagers, be they male or female, being held accountable, to some reasonable degree, for their actions.

“For the Deputy District Judge to summarily describe as ‘victim-blaming’ our exhortation for accountability by the female teenager is regrettable and, we believe, counterproductive. The police can exercise a constructive role in assisting such young people, but only if policy, training and their practice within the law supports this. Our experience has been that some police are exemplary, but others much less so.”

He states that the Clinton Centre is not a “bail hostel” but it was given as a bail addrees for Sow.

The Western Trust and police were criticised in the statement with Mr. McNair stating that “police intervention proves less than constructive”.

Mr. McNair added that while Sow was over 18 he was brought to court after they were in each other’s company, contrary to a court order.

Referring to the alleged victim, Mr. McNair said: “She, being under 18, is legally a child, but she is also well above the legal age of criminal responsibility.”

Mr. McNair concluded by saying: “We and our associates will address our concerns directly to The Trust and PSNI through all necessary channels. Others, such as Woman’s Aid, are, of course, welcome to contact us as we work for the welfare of young people, whether they are female or male.”