An interim reporting restriction has been granted for a man accused of child sex offences, out of concerns he could self-harm if his identity is known.
The accused, who is aged in his forties, is charged with conspiring with another person to rape a child and twice attempting to arrange or facilitate an illegal act, namely rape of a child.
It is further alleged he made and was in possession of an indecent image of a child.
Offending is alleged to have occurred on various dates between 21 and 24 November, 2022.
The accused spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges.
No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending were disclosed during the short hearing.
A police officer aware of the facts of the case told Omagh Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
A defence solicitor advised an application was sought for an interim reporting restriction on the basis of risk to life from self-harm.
Deputy District Judge Brian Archer enquired from the police officer if he was aware of any risk to the defendant’s life due to self-harm, who on checking the custody record replied, “There’s no mention of a risk to life due to mental health.”
The defence then informed the court that efforts are underway to source a consultant psychiatrist to carry out an assessment to this effect around the defendant’s mental health issues.
Granting the reporting ban on an interim basis only, Judge Archer advised any report should be supplied to the court as soon as possible.
He remanded the accused on continuing bail to return to court next month.
