A COUNTY Tyrone woman currently accused of abducting a child she is in a sexual relationship with, has appeared in court on new charges after being detected in breach of bail.

The defendant, who is aged in her twenties and cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, from Fermanagh, was first charged with abducting the boy and keeping him from the lawful custody of his parents in April.

Police opposed bail on that occasion, explaining the woman was originally arrested in November, 2020, on allegations of engaging in sexual activity with the boy, but this was halted when it emerged he told her he was older.

Social Services and the boy’s parents worked with the pair around their relationship, which at that stage was no longer believed to be sexual.

But concerns remained, leading Social Services to alert police.

On March 24, the boy told police he had been raped by the defendant on a number of occasions, but declined to be medically examined.

She was arrested but refused to provide medical samples, then released on bail terms, which included a ban on contacting the boy.

He in turn later told police he had lied to them.

The woman then breached bail four times, on each occasion being found with the child, while he was missing from home.

The boy’s father informed police he has “lost all control” of him and doesn’t want the defendant in his company.

Engagement with Social Services had also broken down.

When the boy was reported missing again on April 28, and found with the defendant, she was arrested.

Bail was granted, with the defendant ordered to have no contact with the boy.

However, last Wednesday, July 28, the defendant appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court following further contact, and is now facing additional charges.

It is alleged between January 1 and March 24 she engaged in sexual activity with the boy and communicated with him sexually for her own gratification.

A detective constable said he believed the charges could be connected.

He explained on examination the defendant’s phone contained sexual communications with the boy.

A message was also found dated the day the boy reported being raped, in which she instructs him to tell police he lied because they had “fallen out”.

This was noted to match what the boy went on to tell police.

Social Services told police the boy had left home on July 22 and had not returned. When he eventually did, he told his mother he had been at the defendant’s home.

Police arrested her last Friday, July 30, and the boy was noted at the scene.

Objecting to bail, the detective pointed to ongoing contact despite bail, which included sending the boy sexual videos.

“We believe she will continue to tell [the boy] not to engage with police or other services. There is a high risk of child sexual exploitation, as the boy appears to be besotted.”

A defending barrister contended bail could be granted, suggesting his client reside with family members who would monitor the situation.

Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare remarked: “The issue is the blatant breach of bail. There is a lack of willingness to accept the conditions.”

However, he decided to allow bail in the sum of £500, with a £500 surety, and emphasised no contact with the boy.

There is also a ban on having a mobile phone or any internet-capable device.

The case will be mentioned again next month.