An 18-year-old man from Killybrack Close in Omagh appeared in Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after his arrest for breaching bail conditions. Leigh Sean McElhatton faces 14 charges, including four counts of blackmailing six female children to supply indecent images from December 31, 2023, to April 30, 2025. The charges also include eight counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual assault of a child from March 1 to April 30, 2025.

Three alleged victims are named across the charges, with one child central to the sexual abuse allegations. A detective constable stated the charges may be linked and described the offences as cyber-enabled. Some additional charges are not advancing at present.

McElhatton received £500 bail last week with requirements to stay at a police-known address and avoid all contact with the alleged victims. He may possess one mobile phone with internet but must submit it for inspection by police or Social Services anytime.

Police asked him to leave his Omagh home over the weekend due to safety issues after a group arrived at the address and made threats. They arranged hostel accommodation in Belfast, but he arrived after 5pm on April 6 and could not stay. Social Services then booked a hotel, where police arrested him.

A detective sergeant from the PSNI Public Protection Branch told the court that police would not oppose bail but insisted any new address gain prior approval. The defence solicitor noted McElhatton cooperated with support services and requested release to register as homeless with the Housing Executive.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan approved bail on condition McElhatton contacts the Housing Executive immediately and follows all prior rules. Police and Social Services must approve future addresses to prevent access to children. The case returns to Omagh Magistrates' Court on May 5.