A 29-year-old Derry man was remanded in custody when he appeared at the city’s Magistrates Court today charged with the weekend abduction of a young girl who lives in a children's home.
Christopher Harley, of Kular Court in the city. is charged with the abduction of a child in care on October 15.
The heard police received a report two females had gone missing from a local children's home and were later found at the defendant's flat.
The two teenage girls were said to hang about Victoria Market, which was where the girls were located by social workers after being reported missing.
Harley is believed to have been with the girls at the time, based on a description provided to police by the social workers.
When the girls spotted the social workers they ran off.
A police officer said the defendant was known to hang about with the girls, and gives them 'alcohol and gifts'.
One of the females was described as being 'troubled' and told police she worked for Escorts NI.
The court was told she dressed in a 'disturbing manner' for a 13-year-old child and 'believes she is much older than she actually is.'
One of the girls was seen walking from a car park situated adjacent to Harley's address.
A mobile phone found at the defendant's address is believed to belong to one of the girls.
Harley was located at his home on Sunday morning, arrested and taken for police interview.
He told police he had met a different female who went back to his flat with other girls.
The defendant said he didn’t know the young girls and didn’t remember police removing one of the girls at that time.
During interview, Harley became 'visibly agitated' and told them October 1 was the only time he met the girl he was charged with abducting.
He explained he had been at his father's address on October 14 and 15.
Police said there was outstanding CCTV evidence in the case, as well as mobile phone evidence which had to be gathered.
Bail was objected to by police as they believe Harley 'poses a serious risk to young women'.
The court heard he has been 'convicted of three similar offences' relating to vulnerable young girls from care homes who have had 'no real upbringing'.
The girls have also said they would meet the defendant again and one had described him as her boyfriend.
Harley was advised to contact police if they come to his address, but the police constable believed he 'won't do that' as he was 'interested in young girls'.
When questioned by the defence solicitor about the reliability of the identification of Harley with the girls, the police constable said the social workers had seen him talking to them for two-three minutes.
However, he said CCTV evidence would be important in the case.
The defence solicitor suggested it could take two to three months to gather the CCTV and mobile phone evidence.
Asking for Harley to be bailed, he said the evidence was 'nothing more than suspicion' at this stage.
District Judge Barney McElholm made the point electronic tags should be fitted with GPS trackers.
If released, he said the defendant would have to reside 'far far away from this city'.
The judge said he couldn't impose any conditions that would guarantee the safety of young girls.
Denying bail, Judge McElholm said the defendant had relevant previous convictions and whether he was there on that occasion, 'he has had contact'.
Bail was refused, the defendant will appear in court again on November 10.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.