Man charged with multiple attempted child sexual offences

A 36-year-old County Tyrone man has appeared in court on multiple charges relating to attempted sexual activity with a girl believed to be under 13, including exposure and attempting to incite child prostitution.

Michael Mcgovern from Galbally Road, Dromore faces nine charges in total which allegedly occurred over the course of just under a week last year.

He is accused of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to sexually communicate with a child, attempting to incite child prostitution, attempting to incite a child to take an indecent image, attempting to possess an indecent image of a child and attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child. It is further alleged Mcgovern intentionally exposed himself and sent a communication which was sexual in nature.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on dates between 23 and 29 March 2021.

A police officer familiar with the facts of the case told Omagh Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.

When asked if he understood the allegations, Mcgovern claimed he did not, leading District Judge Bernie Kelly to advise his solicitor to take him from the courtroom and explain the proceedings.

They returned a short time later when Mcgovern confirmed he understood.

Judge Kelly remanded him on continuing bail to return to court on 15 November.