Tiernan McKenna, 39, of Lambfield Drive in Dungannon, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on charges of stalking intended to cause fear, alarm or distress along with harassment. The charges cover the period from 1 August 2025 to 27 February 2026. District Judge Alana McSorley denied bail on grounds that risks to a young vulnerable female could not be addressed outside custody.

Police learned of the matter from a Dungannon shop where McKenna took interest in a teenage employee. Starting in October 2025, he attended daily and sought conversations with her. He posed questions on personal matters and referenced her school attendance and a training course without her disclosing those details.

McKenna sent friend requests to her on Facebook using multiple profiles. He affixed a QR code sticker to a box outside the shop that directed scanners to his profile page. CCTV captured his presence, and officers identified him as known to police.

Incidents escalated on 8 January 2026 when McKenna neared the teenager from behind during her shift, leading her to withdraw behind the sales counter. On 26 February 2026, he entered the premises, after which the shop landline received texts. One directed attention to the outside QR code for a meeting. A second told her to disregard claims by others.

During police interview, McKenna at first rejected the accusations and said he sent only one Facebook request in December 2025. He confirmed frequent shop visits due to exclusions from closer locations. Later he accepted the stalking, harassment, sticker placement and repeated social media efforts.

Prosecution resisted bail over McKenna's seven prior related convictions and active suspended sentence. Officers assessed his actions as persistent and intensifying, concluding no restrictions would suffice to protect young females. Defence requested release with firm limits and pointed to his limited understanding of the conduct.

McKenna remains detained ahead of his video-link appearance at Dungannon Magistrates Court on 18 March.