A man and woman have appeared in court in relation to child cruelty charges dating back to an incident involving a toddler who suffered serious physical injuries.
Appearing separately for a committal hearing the accused who are both aged in their twenties – but cannot be named to protect the child – are jointly charged with knowing he had suffered serious physical harm as the result of an unlawful act and there was significant risk but failed to take steps to protect him
The woman is further charged with four counts of child cruelty, two involved assaults as well as single counts of wilful ill-treatment and neglect.
These matters allegedly occurred on dates between March 2 and August 31, 2023.
No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending were disclosed during the short hearing.
A prosecuting lawyer told Strabane Magistrates’ Court there is a case to answer which was agreed by District Judge Oonagh Mullan.
The accused spoke only to confirm their identities and that they understood their respective charges.
They declined to call witnesses or give evidence on their own behalf at this stage in proceedings.
Judge Mullan remanded the pair on £500 bail each with strict conditions which includes a ban on contact with each other and the child.
They must also reside at addresses known to police and the woman is banned from attending a named medical facility without approval and accompaniment by Social Services.
Ordering them to appear for arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court on February 18, Judge Mullan warned on adhering to all bail conditions as “these are very serious charges”.
