A 21-year-old Strabane man has been refused bail after being charged with making bomb threats to businesses in the United States.

Jack Bogle, of Springhill Park, appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court accused of calling in bomb hoaxes, encouraging self harm, gaining unauthorised access to online materials, blackmail and sending threatening communications.

The charges relate to incidents in the United States in January. A police detective told the court that the PSNI was contacted by the FBI in February about Mr Bogle's alleged involvement.

The court heard that Mr Bogle is believed to be a high-ranking member of an online group known as COM, described as being involved in terrorism, child sexual exploitation and other offences. The group allegedly targets vulnerable people, including children, to commit acts of self harm and degradation.

Mr Bogle allegedly operated under the alias 'D.K' and contacted multiple businesses, including Denver Airport, the World Trade Centre, a hospital and casinos, threatening that bombs had been planted and that people wearing suicide vests would carry out mass shootings. He allegedly demanded thousands of dollars in cash and fast cars, including BMWs. On two occasions, he allegedly claimed children had been kidnapped and would be executed if demands were not met.

Police arrested Mr Bogle at his home and seized devices for examination. He was released on police bail with conditions not to use internet-capable devices, but on two further occasions in April and September, police found evidence that he was allegedly posting online under the same alias.

During interview, Mr Bogle said he shared the D.K alias with another person and denied knowledge of the bomb hoaxes.

Defence solicitor John MacManus accepted the seriousness of the allegations but noted that his client had no previous convictions. He said Mr Bogle had never been interviewed about breaching his bail and that progression to the Crown Court would take some time. He added that Mr Bogle left education at 16 and was unemployed, but his mother would provide stringent supervision if bail were granted.

District Judge Francis Rafferty said there was a significant risk to the public and a propensity to conceal identity, and refused bail. Mr Bogle will appear by videolink at Strabane Magistrates Court on November 5.