Couple denied bail in North child-cruelty case

A bail application by a couple facing child-cruelty charges against four boys has been adjourned at the Belfast High Court after…

A bail application by a couple facing child-cruelty charges against four boys has been adjourned at the Belfast High Court after the PSNI objected to the addresses where they proposed to stay.

The woman (38), the boys' mother, and their stepfather (33), who deny the charges, appeared via video link from Maghaberry prison where they have been held since appearing before Armagh magistrate's court two weeks ago.

During an unsuccessful bail application last week the court heard that a manslaughter file on the 14-year-old boy, who was initially thought to have killed himself, has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In court today, Crown lawyer David Hopley said the addresses provided by the couple were too close to the injured parties, who are in care.

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Lord Justice Campbell said he had to balance the perceived risk to the children against the rights of the defendants. The case was adjourned to see if alternative addresses could be found.

PA