A 32-year-old man accused of stalking young schoolgirls in Enniskillen was asked by police if he fantasised about having sex with them.

Markus Saleh, of Sedan Terrace, Enniskillen, was told the girls had no interest in seeing him.

He allegedly replied: “These ones may not be, but other ones may be interested.” Saleh appeared in the dock of Fermanagh Court charged with harassing a 14-year-old girl between October 22, 2014, and January 23, 2015.

He was released on £500 bail and banned from entering Enniskillen, as defined by the 30mph speed limit, from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 10am and 3pm and 6pm.

He applied to have the terms of the ban varied but his application was refused following police objections.

A policewoman explained that the 14-year-old girl had complained about Saleh watching her. She felt he seemed to be paying particular attention to her. On one occasion as she walking along Belmore Street he stared at her and then cycled ahead of her a number of times and stared at her again. On another occasion she was in the Fitness Room at the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen and saw Saleh staring through a window at her, causing her great concern. He was also allegedly seen waiting opposite the gates of Mount Lourdes Grammar School in Belmore Street, watching girls as they got on to a bus.

Police identified Saleh and served him with a PIN (Police Information Notice), also known as a harassment warning notice. He was made aware that his behaviour was unacceptable as it was causing distress to the schoolgirls. He was strongly advised to cease this behaviour and not to go near the schools or Belmore Street.

The officer told the court that on Friday, October 24, last year, police received statements from two other Collegiate Grammar School pupils, complaining that Saleh’s behaviour made them feel uncomfortable.

She said that earlier this year Saleh was allegedly seen standing in a park at Bellanaleck, staring into houses. He was questioned by police and allegedly said he was looking at the decor.

The 14-year-old girl complained that on January 23, she was in Belmore Street when Saleh walked within a foot of her, staring at her.

He also allegedly crossed the Irvinestown Road in Enniskillen in order to walk past 13-year-old schoolgirls.

The court heard that on Monday, January 26, Saleh was arrested outside the Fitness Room at the Lakeland Forum where the schoolgirl had complained about him staring through the window at her. A number of young women were using the fitness equipment at the time.

The officer said Saleh was taken to Enniskillen Police Station where he was asked to hand over his possessions. While doing so he attempted to conceal a piece of paper. On it was written times, dates and locations where schoolgirls had been. He allegedly admitted being at the locations at the times.

He was charged with harassing the 14-year-old girl and made no reply.

The officer told the court the police were “strongly opposed” to Saleh being allowed into Enniskillen around the start and end of the school day. He is unemployed and has no reason to be in these areas at the relevant times.

She said Saleh had shown no remorse or acceptance of any wrong-doing. Police feared his behaviour would escalate.

Defence solicitor David Buchanan told the court there was no interaction between Saleh and the girls other than walking past them.

He said the piece of paper recording the times and locations of the Collegiate schoolgirls also included adults who were watching Saleh.

Mr. Buchanan asked the police officer if she was aware that Saleh had complained to police about being harassed and been told to record the details.

“I’m not aware of that,” the officer replied.

District Judge Nigel Broderick asked the officer if there was anything on the mobile phone and memory stick seized from Saleh.

The officer replied that they were being analysed.

The District Judge surmised that there was therefore “nothing obvious” on them.

Mr. Buchanan submitted that there had been no interaction or conversation between Saleh and the girls and he had made a complaint that he was being harassed.

The solicitor said Saleh believed prohibiting him from entering Enniskillen at certain times impinged on his freedom and amounted to house arrest.

The District Judge referred to the specific times that Saleh is banned from the town, stating: “I’m not sure that amounts to house arrest.” He added: “I’m satisfied that the current conditions imposed by the police are proportionate in light of the facts outlined to me.” He said he was not minded to grant the application to vary the times.

He released Saleh on bail to appear again at Fermanagh Court on April 8.