There were angry exchanges during a committal hearing for a couple accused of being part of an organised crime gang from Hungary, allegedly targeting elderly people in distraction burglaries.

Ildiko Cseban (35) of Convent Court, Cavan but remanded in custody, faces six offences involving vulnerable victims whose ages range from 88 to 96, in Enniskillen, Lisbellaw, Maguiresbridge, Tempo and Fivemiletown.

Offending allegedly occurred on dates between June 16 and August 21, 2019, with some instances involving thefts of jewellery and cash.

Her partner Gyorgy Kozak (34) of the same address but currently bailed to Gainsborough Drive, Belfast faces a single count of entering a house in Enniskillen as a trespasser on June 12, 2019 and attempting to steal.

He was also remanded in custody for a time but released after several charges were dropped.

Cseban appeared before Enniskillen Magistrates Court sitting in Dungannon by video-link while Kozak appeared in person.

What should have been a short, straightforward process, was complicated significantly by both accused becoming argumentative.

Kozak in particular, engaged in prolonged speeches claiming there was no case against him while demanding his wife be released.

When asked if she objected to the proceedings Cseban replied, “I don’t know what you mean by object.”

Her lawyer explained she did not object.

Asked the same, Kozak replied, “What’s all the enquiry about? I should be able to speak. Is there something concrete against me? ‘Attempted’ doesn’t prove anything.”

District Judge Michael Ranaghan told Kozak to consult with his lawyers to which he responded: “There is one more thing. Because I go to hospital and doctors often, could I have my leg tag removed? It is causing difficulty.”

He was again told to consult his lawyers about a bail variation application. Cseban was asked if she wished to say anything in answer to the charges and angrily replied, “I did not do these crimes. I am in here wrongly for weeks. I want to be free now.”

Kozak in turn said he wanted the judge to examine the case papers.

Judge Ranaghan confirmed he had done so and was satisfied there is a case to answer.

Kozak asked, “Would it be possible to have my wife out on bail? She has never been in prison before.”

He was again told lawyers could make a bail application, and asked the judge to, “tell her she is going to be released”.

Judge Ranaghan however added: “To avoid any doubt, an application will be made. It will depend if that is successful or not.”

As he was being taken to sign bail Kozak asked, “When can I expect my wife to be out?”

Judge Ranaghan said, “These proceedings have concluded. My patience has run out.”

The pair were returned for trial to Dungannon Crown Court on a date to be fixed,

During a previous unsuccessful bail application for Cseban a detective stated the victims of the distraction burglaries were, “vulnerable by age”.

He said police: “Strongly believe the defendant is part of an organised crime gang.

“When arrested, fraudulent driving documents were recovered and it is believed she has access to source more … Warrants are live for her in Hungary and the Republic of Ireland.”