A man in his forties from County Fermanagh appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court on charges relating to domestic abuse and breaching a non-molestation order.

He is accused of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour intended to cause his former partner physical or psychological harm between 15 July and 6 August.

A detective constable told the court that the woman contacted police after discovering that the defendant had been sending their teenage daughter WhatsApp messages with instructions. She believed he was using the child to continue a pattern of controlling behaviour.

The messages directed the girl to spill water on a laptop when no one was looking, which the woman interpreted as an attempt to damage her computer. The defendant also asked the teenager to conceal alcohol inside the home and to deny any knowledge if tested.

When arrested, the man denied all allegations. He told officers that the messages were entirely fabricated by his ex-partner. He surrendered his work phone but refused to hand over his personal device.

Police opposed bail, citing the defendant's history of domestic abuse, his refusal to cooperate with Social Services, and the fact that the daughter had been reported missing on several occasions and found with him. Officers described him as a high-risk domestic violence perpetrator.

District Judge Alana McSorley said the level of calculation and manipulation was very concerning. She noted that the child appeared to have been used as a pawn in the abuse.

The judge granted bail with strict conditions, including no contact with the ex-partner or daughter by any means, and full cooperation with Social Services.

The case is due to be mentioned again at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on 7 September.