Warrant issued after harassment accused doesn’t show at court

A BENCH warrant has been issued for a convicted killer from Co Fermanagh who failed to turn up in court yesterday to face new charges.

Ex-soldier Glen Graham Stronge (44) of Camgart Road, Clabby is charged with harassing a man on August 1, as well as threatening to kill him.

He appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court earlier this month after police arrested him, following reports of his alleged behaviour.

The injured party told police there had been ongoing issues since July 27, in the form of phone calls and messages.

Some of these read: “Trust me — I will do time for you”, and “I am promising you — I will leave you in hospital for a long, long time”.

The court had heard that after being charged, Stronge said: “He’s lucky that’s all he got, the b ****** .”

Objecting to bail at the time, a PSNI officer said: “The defendant has a previous conviction for manslaughter and we are concerned by the statements made during interview, that he may carry out his threats.”

Under cross-examination, the officer confirmed she had been made aware Stronge has mental health issues, but said a medical officer had carried out an examination and classed him fit for interview.

Pressing for bail, a defence lawyer suggested a ban on phone use could assuage police concerns.

But the officer replied: “During interview the defendant said he was capable of anything. There are concerns due to his previous history. He believes the injured party to be having an affair with his wife. He holds strong feelings against this man.”

District Judge John Meehan had cut the hearing short stating: “For someone who is engaged in this type of behaviour and has made his position clear during police interview, I would not be prepared to grant bail.”

Stronge reacted angrily in the dock calling the judge a “b ****** ”.

Nevertheless, within days the defence launched an appeal at the High Court which was successful.

Strict terms were imposed including £750 bail and a £750 surety provided by Stronge’s brother.

He was banned from using or possessing a mobile phone or landline and could not reside where a landline was installed.

There was to be no contact by any means whatsoever with the complainant and a ban on entering an area specified to the court.

Finally, Stronge was ordered to abide by a curfew from 8pm to 7am and ordered to report weekly to police and to appear at court yesterday.

However, Stronge did not turn up. After some time was permitted, Judge Meehan had the case recalled.

Before issuing a bench warrant, Judge Meehan said: “I’m aware from the first hearing the defendant is accused of harassment and threats to kill and this court found him not to be a suitable candidate for bail.

“That was overturned at High Court and he has failed to appear today — the first required appearance since his release.”