A 30-year-old man who was extradited from Hungary following a successful operation between the PSNI and the National Crime Agency has been returned for trial on indecent child image charges.
Appearing for a committal hearing Mark Csaba Nagy, who was previously remanded in custody but since granted bail to reside at Barrack Street, Coalisland is charged with 10 counts of possessing indecent images of children on 1 July 2021.
A prosecuting lawyer told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court there is a case to answer which was agreed by District Judge Francis Rafferty.
Nagy spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges against him. He declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf at this time.
Judge Rafferty remanded him on bail to appear before Dungannon Crown Court for arraignment on November 29.
Nagy fled the jurisdiction while on bail for the allegations in October 2021.
He was initially arrested in Hungary on June 27 and extradition proceedings were completed on September 17 with his successful return to Northern Ireland.
A police officer aware of the facts of the case and the extradition proceedings opposed bail when Nagy appeared in court.
A defence barrister acknowledged the application was extremely difficult especially as Nagy has no address at present, however he had been instructed to seek bail.
The judge on that occasion remarked: “I’m going to short-circuit this. There’s no way I’m granting bail.”
Nagy however successfully appealed this at High Court as the Coalisland address had become available.
He was released on £900 bail and ordered to surrender any passports to police and refrain from applying for a replacement passport or any form of travel document.
While permitted to possess one phone, this must not have internet and Nagy must not access the internet is any way or be in possession of any device capable of doing so.
He must report twice weekly to police and is to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18, either directly or indirectly, unless approved by Social Services, and he must inform Social Services immediately in the event his infant child is brought into this jurisdiction.
Following the successful extradition, Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit said: “This case demonstrates our continued and effective working with our international partners to track down wanted persons and bring offenders to justice. In this case we worked closely with the National Crime Agency and authorities in Hungary to locate, arrest and extradite this suspect. PSNI will continue to pursue those who leave Northern Ireland to avoid the consequences of their actions.”
