A man who is accused of indecently assaulting a female on multiple occasions in the 70’s and 80’s will face Crown Court proceedings in the New Year.
The 62-year-old – who hasn’t been named in order to protect the victim – appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
He is charged with 18 counts of indecent assault on a female.
As the charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is alleged to have committed these offences on various dates between February 11, of 1974, and February 12, of 1981.
All of the offences are alleged to have been committed on a single female.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, the defendant 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 Gavyn Cairns made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Bernie Kelly, satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer, released the 62-year-old on bail to appear at Craigavon Crown Court on a February 1 for his arraignment.
