A solicitor for a man who is charged with improper use of public communications, breach of a non-molestation order and threats to kill was told her submissions to have him released were “nonsense” by a judge.

District Judge Alana McSorley told solicitor Cailín O’Neill: “Solicitors have a duty, Miss O’Neill, to advise their clients about the credibility of their submissions.”

Miss O’Neill was representing Ryan Breen (34), of Fairview Heights, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, who was appearing via video link on Monday at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.

Police were objecting to bail as they believed Breen risked interfering with witnesses and re-offending.

The court heard that on May 13, police received an email from the injured party stating she had been put under pressure to withdraw her complaint, and claiming she had been bullied by Breen and his father.

The injured party said she had been contacted almost every day by Breen, even though this was against his bail conditions, and there was a non-molestation order in place.

These messages were described as “threatening and menacing” in nature.

A police officer said Breen had five breaches of bail and the pressure to withdraw the complaint was making the injured party anxious, which led to this report.

The officer said Breen had a disregard for the boundaries of the law and he was facing serious charges.

Miss O’Neill, in her submissions, told the court that her client did not accept the breach, and said the injured party had been ringing Breen’s father’s phone to get in contact as Breen did not have his own phone.

She said the phone had been submitted to police for investigation.

After asking Miss O’Neill to clarify her submission, Judge McSorley said: “It’s just nonsense” and refused Breen bail.

The case was adjourned to be heard again in Omagh on June 6.