A judge at Dungannon Crown Court has ruled that a 30-year-old Enniskillen man is dangerous, imposing an extended custodial sentence for a series of domestic abuse offences.

Mark Sheridan, of Lackaboy View, admitted charges including assault causing actual bodily harm, harassment of his former partner and her sister, and criminal damage. The offences occurred between January and May 2024, and he also breached a Violent Offences Prevention Order imposed after earlier convictions.

Judge Richard Greene said he was concerned that neither the Probation Board nor a consultant psychiatrist had classed Sheridan as dangerous. He noted that both assessments had been conducted while Sheridan was in custody and without a current partner, and that they had not taken full account of a previous incident involving non-fatal strangulation.

The court heard that Sheridan has convictions for assaults against at least four previous partners, including incidents described as choking, attempting to put out a cigarette on a partner’s eye, and headbutting another woman in the face. Judge Greene said the defendant has “an appalling record” and shows a pattern of focusing only on his own needs in relationships.

The judge told Sheridan: “I conclude there is serious risk of significant harm and you are therefore a dangerous offender.” He handed down a determinate sentence of four years in prison, after which Sheridan will remain on licence for a further two years under extended supervision.

In separate proceedings at Enniskillen Magistrates Court, a 63-year-old man had his case adjourned. Richard Smith, of Mantlin Park, Kesh, is pleading guilty to assaulting a woman on 2 November last year. The court heard he has health issues and was recently admitted to a nursing home. Deputy Judge Brian Archer put the case back to 20 July.

Also at Enniskillen Magistrates Court, James McNamara, 24, of Carnmore Rise, was denied bail on charges including assaulting a woman causing actual bodily harm, criminal damage to her property, resisting police, and attempting to damage a police van. The charges relate to an incident on 18 April. A police officer told the court that McNamara was on bail and under a suspended sentence at the time. Prosecutors also referred to an allegation that he tried to strangle a woman on 12 December, but she had not provided a statement. Deputy Judge Archer refused bail due to the risk of further offending and witness interference, and the case was adjourned to 27 July.