ACCUSED…Markus Saleh
FERMANAGH court has heard how an Enniskillen man accused of harassing a 15-year-old schoolgirl over a four month period also watched young girls boarding school buses on Belmore Street and kept a record of dates, times and locations of sightings of secondary school girls.
Markus Saleh, of Sedan Terrace, is charged with pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to harassment between the dates of October 22, last year and January 23.
The 32-year-old appeared in the dock of Enniskillen Magistrates Court where an application was made to vary his bail conditions.
However, a PSNI investigating officer objected to the application and outlined the background of the case.
She told the court that on a date last year the schoolgirl noticed Saleh who seemed to be paying particular attention to her as she walked along Belmore Street. The court was told that the accused was staring at the girl as he approached her. He was then accused of cycling ahead of her and did the same over and over again.
He continued to watch schoolgirls from Belmore Street as they got on the bus.
On another date he went to the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen where he was seen twice staring at the alleged victim. This caused her great concern as she was there alone.
Police were notified of his behaviour and after he was identified he was served with a PIN (Police Information Notices) as he was causing distress to schoolgirls. Saleh was told that his behaviour was unacceptable and was strongly advised to cease doing it.
He was told not to go near schools including the Collegiate and Belmore Street.
On October 24, police received two statements from Collegiate schoolgirls about Saleh’s behaviour saying that he made them feel uncomfortable.
Then on another date, police received two reports that Saleh was seen in a park in Belnaleck staring into houses.
When the accused was questioned by police about the alleged incident, he told them he was looking at the decor. Then on January 23, the victim reported that she had seen the defendant in Belmore Street at school home-time. The defendant was approximately one foot away as he walked past and stared at her.
On January 26, the defendant was seen outside the Lakeland Forum fitness suite where he had been looking in through the window. The court heard that a number of other young girls were using the fitness machines.
Saleh was arrested and taken to Enniskillen Police Station and asked to hand over his possessions.
On doing so he tried to conceal a piece of paper.
On this piece of paper were times, dates and locations of sightings of secondary school girls.
He accepted he was in the area at these times.
He was asked if he fantasised about having sex with these girls and was told by police officers that they had no interest in seeing him.
The defendant replied: “These ones may not be, but other ones may be interested.”
The police constable told the court: “He showed no remorse or acceptance of any wrongdoing.”
The court also heard that he was seen walking along the Irvinestown Road during school hours and crossed the road to walk past 13-year-old schoolgirls.
The investigating officer said there were fears his behavior would escalate and that he was often found in areas where there are large groups of schoolgirls.
She added: “He causes fear to girls and schoolgirls alike. He is unemployed and has no reason to be in the area at that time.”
Defence solicitor David Buchanan said that there was no interaction between the injured party and his client.
He added: “On this piece of paper were times and dates related to sightings of grammar schoolgirls but there was also several other members of the public named too. He went to police and made an allegation of harassment and then made a list of people watching him after police told him to keep a list.”
The police constable said she was not aware of this.
“He did not try to engage in any conversation. He believes that his freedom will be impinged,” Mr Buchanan told the court, adding that only one allegation has been made against his client.
However the police constable said that two other statements of complaint had been made against the accused.
He went on to say that his client’s current conditions amounted to house arrest.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said: “The current conditions are proportionate in light of the facts outlined to me. I’m not minded to grant any application.”
Saleh is prohibited from entering Enniskillen within the 30mph limit between the hours of 8am until 10am and 3pm and 6pm between Monday to Friday and he is to reside at Sedan Terrace.
He was released on his own bail of £500 and the case was adjourned until April 8.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere