Derry man facing child sex offences against a child refused bail

A man charged with sex offences against a child who was 'seriously assaulted' prior to his arrest has been refused bail at Derry Magistrate's Court. 

Stephen Hargan (40) of Brookdale Park in Derry is currently in custody charged with sexual assault on a child under 13 and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. 

The charges are alleged to have occurred on July 16 this year.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that there was a change of circumstances in that the defefendant had a new address further away from the alleged victim. 

A police officer told the court that police had difficulties with the proposed new address as they believed children stayed there at weekends.

The officer said that police would be objecting to any address on the cityside and believed Hargan could re-offend as he has 61 previous convictions although none for charges of a sexual nature.

The court was also told that police believed that if released Hargan would attempt to return to the domestic setting.

She said Hargan was 'under threat from Republican paramilitaries' in the area and had been assaulted the day of his arrest. 

Mr MacDermott said that his client was denying these charges and while he had 'an extensive record' there was nothing of this nature.

He said Hargan believed that arrangements could be made to avoid having children at the address.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said these were serious offences and it was unacceptable for him to be anywhere near children.

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Robert Mallett (34) of Berryburn Park in Ardmore in Derry was charged with the offence that occurred on March 29 this yea.

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Bail was refused and Hargan will appear again on December 11.