A man accused of sexual assaults on a child under the age of 13 will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 22-year-old 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.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with two charges of sexual assault involving penetration and one charge of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13.
As the charges were read, it was heard that all of these charges relate to a single alleged injured party.
He is accused of committing these offences on dates between August 31, 2019, and March 9, 2020.
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 solicitor Gabriel Ingram made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer and the defendant was released on continuing bail to appear before Craigavon Crown Court on October 19 for arraignment.
