An expletive-ridden outburst picked up, amplified and heard by all present during a court video-link from Maghaberry Prison ahead of a committal hearing occurred while, “speaking to the prison officer” a defendant has claimed.

Christopher Dunne from Ballaghmore Heights, Enniskillen is facing trial accused of burglary and criminal damage charges from an incident earlier this year.

Under normal circumstances persons in custody facing committal to crown court are required to be produced in person to the court, but due to Covid-19 restrictions they can take place by video-link.

He was appearing before Enniskillen Magistrates Court, sitting in Dungannon, and while making his way into the prison’s video-link suite, spoke out: “F*** me man, that’s f***ing s**t.”

District Judge Michael Ranaghan told him, “Before we start, you are on loudspeaker and the court and everyone else heard what you just said. I advise you very strongly to watch your language. Do you understand”

Dunne replied: “Sorry your Honour, I was talking to the prison officer.”

Proceedings went ahead with the charges read to Dunne, which alleges he entering commercial premises namely Erne Insurance in Irvinestown as a trespasser with intent to steal and while there, damaged a CCTV camera.

The offences are alleged to have occurred on February 26, after police responded to an activated alarm at the premises.

A lawyer appearing on behalf of the prosecution told the court there is a case to answer which was agreed by Judge Ranaghan.

Dunne did not object to the hearing and declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf at this stage in proceedings.

He was remanded in continuing custody to appear for arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court on a date to be fixed.