A Newry, Mourne and Down District councillor could have charges of rape dismissed amid a judge’s concern the court has been “misled”.
Councillor Cadogan Enright (69) also faces charges of sexual assault and false imprisonment on dates from February 2022 to November 2024. He denies all charges.
A PSNI detective constable told the Downpatrick Magistrates’ court (3 Sept) that the investigating officer in the case has now been on long term sick leave with the full case file still not complete.
Defence solicitor Damien Treanor said: “There has been a bit of an unhappy history in relation to the progression of this case and we are looking for a significant update.
“We were told on the last occasion that a new investigating officer was being assigned.
“It appears this has fallen into a bit of a gulf and nobody is picking up the slack.
“It is totally unsatisfactory. I don’t know what your worship can do.”
Deputy district Judge Gerard Trainor said: “There are certain things in my armoury.
“The officer (PSNI present in court) can convey this back, and make it clear to the manager of the investigating officer that this court was misled.
“I’m not sure who was the cause of that, but it clearly states (on court notes) a new investigating officer has been appointed in this case and they were told that on August 6.
“So, that causes the court to have considerable concern as to the probity of everything that is being said to it.
“In this instance I am going to direct that the file be with the PPS no later than October 8 and if it is not, the court will entertain an application to dismiss these charges.
“And they can be dismissed without prejudice..given the way in which it has been managed.”
The alleged injured party cannot be identified due to court reporting restrictions.
The Downpatrick defendant has been an elected member for the area since 2006 and continues to be present (remotely) at the local authority meetings.
More recently, the Newry, Mourne and Down District councillor had joined Alliance in 2022 before resigning from the party in July 2025.
He claimed he did not have the support of the party, and that it was not looking to retain the south Down seat in 2027.
