A Co. Armagh man who is accused of rape and sexual assault will face Crown Court proceedings in March.
The 34-year-old appeared at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with rape and sexual assault against a single alleged injured party.
As these charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is accused of committing these offences between August 1, of 2017, and October 31, of 2017 .
Appearing in court, the man made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
The defendant was released to appear before Newry Crown Court on March 2 for arraignment.
