A 23-year-old man who absconded out his bathroom window while being arrested has been refused bail.

Mark Sheridan of Ann Street, Enniskillen was appearing via videolink from Maghaberry Prison in relation to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, resisting police, criminal damage and common assault.

In objecting to the request for bail an officer told the court that Sheridan was a prolific high risk offender and was highly likely to reoffend as he had breached every bail condition and he possessed a significant risk to his partner. The officer continued by saying there had been 21 breaches of bail by Sheridan with the most recent happening in April.

Officers had visited Sheridan’s home to affect an arrest. When the defendant did not come to the door, officers entered the house and found the 23 year old hiding under a bed.

While he was being arrested he asked to use the toilet and absconded out the bathroom window.

The officer said this took place on April 2 and Sheridan was only detected in Liverpool eight days later getting of a plane on his way to a football match in Manchester.

Defence barrister for Sheridan, Ciaran Roddy said police had been aware of Sheridan’s travel plans and that prior to his arrest in England, Sheridan had a medical appointment in Magherafelt and he was not apprehended there.

Mr. Roddy said that the vast majority of his client’s breaches were in his youth and that there was an unfortunate cycle of events repeating itself in that his client is arrested, sent to custody, the charge is either withdrawn or dealt with as time served with no opportunity to engage with probation. He said effectively his client was serving a sentence of “life imprisonment by instalment”.

Mr. Roddy said that in relation to the charges it was accepted there is a strong case for criminal damage and resisting police but there were clear evidential issues regarding the most serious charges.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan commended Mr. Roddy on his submission however he sided with the police officer agreeing there was a further risk of reoffending.

Judge Ranaghan said he had no confidence Sheridan would comply with any bail conditions.

Sheridan will appear again via videolink on June 3.