Strabane Magistrates' Court delayed sentencing for a man charged with domestic abuse offences after a defence barrister identified similarities between the current Victim Impact Statement and one from a prior unrelated case.

The barrister informed the court that the statements matched closely in wording and specific details, despite involving different victims and courts. He submitted an anonymised copy of the earlier statement for District Judge Alana McSorley to review.

Judge McSorley confirmed the statements were distinctly similar. She noted the current one lacked a signature and directed an investigation into its preparation.

The judge stated the court requires details on how the statement was obtained. She emphasised that assessments of harm must come from victims themselves.

A prosecuting lawyer explained that Victim Impact Statement templates cover layout only, not content. Judge McSorley acknowledged this but insisted on proper handling of personal statements.

The case returns to court on April 16. Police Service of Northern Ireland and Public Prosecution Service have not yet commented on the matter.