A 28-year-old man accused of a number of sexual-related charges alleged to have occurred in the vicinity of Omagh Leisure Centre has been refused bail.
Muhammad Usama from John Street, Omagh is accused of intentionally touching a child aged under 13 years of age in a sexual manner, taking or making an indecent photograph of a child and using indecent behaviour in a public place.
Offending is alleged to have occurred on July 8.
When asked if he understood the charges against him, Usama replied, “I understand but I am definitely not guilty.
A police officer aware of the facts of the case confirmed the charges could be connected.
Bail was not originally sought and Usama was remanded in custody however his lawyers mounted an application before Derry/Londonderry Magistrates Court where the case was taken to link with existing matters.
Opposing release a police officer explained, “There has been a failure to abide by previous bail conditions resulting in reoffending. He has demonstrated a further likelihood to reoffend and disregard for conditions. Police believe he poses a risk to the public, particularly young people. On two occasions he is alleged to have been involved in assaults or indecent behaviour around young people. He has also been found in possession of illegal drugs on a number of occasions.”
It was also noted the bail conditions previously imposed include a ban on alcohol and when arrested for the new matters, Usama accepted he had been drinking.
A defence barrister told the court Usama “vehemently denies” the charges but accepted that was not a matter for the bail hearing.
He explained Usama is from a very religious background and his parents were willing to ensure his compliance with any bail conditions.
They have also put forward a different address in Omagh for potential release.
However, police objected to this address as, “There are two young children at that property, putting them at risk.”
The defence argued that any address Usama obtained, “Could be in any area where there are children.”
However District Judge Suzanne Rice said, “These are very serious offences in which bail has been previously granted and breached on three occasions. I have to consider if there are any conditions I could impose which would reassure the court of no further offending or witness interference or in any way seek to pervert the course of justice.”
She concluded, “Given the reoffending and non-compliance with conditions, I have no hesitation in refusing bail.”
Usama will appear again by video-link on September 14.
