A teenager accused of a litany of charges relating to an alleged ‘catfishing’ enterprise which is suspected involved the targeting of 20 child victims, has been granted interim anonymity.
The case first reached court when the accused allegedly tricked a child by posing as a 12-year-old girl.
Lawyers for the teenage defendant applied to have his identity withheld due to concerns for his safety, which was granted by District Judge Michael Ranaghan. However, this will be kept under review.
The accused faces two separate sets of charges, the first of which relate to the alleged possession of indecent images of a child in June 2023, with a view to distribution and inciting a child aged under 13 to engage in sexual communication.
It is further alleged he blackmailed the child unless he received indecent images.
He is also accused of assaulting three police officers who called at his home in relation to the alleged offences.
A prosecuting lawyer told the court, phone analysis has so far identified at least 20 potential victims, each of whom have to be contacted and this is expected to take some time as they are believed to reside outside Northern Ireland.
Judge Ranaghan remanded the accused on continuing bail of £500 bail with a surety of £500, to return to court on April 3.
There are also conditions of residence at an address approved by police, a ban on all access to internet-enabled devices and phones and no contact with the alleged victims nor any children unless approved by Social Services.