A Co Down man accused of disclosing private sexual images of a female to another will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 49-year-old appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Philip Mills, of Main Street in Annalong, is charged with harassment, disclosing private sexual photographs to another and possession of an extreme pornographic image.
As these charges were read, it was heard that the offences are alleged to have occurred between December 24, of 2019, and February 10, of the following year.
Between these two dates, the defendant is accused of pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to harassment against a named male.
On February 9, Mills is alleged to have disclosed a private sexual photograph or film of a female to someone other than the said person without her consent and with the intention of causing her distress.
He is further accused on the same date of having been in possession of an extreme pornographic image.
Appearing in court, 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 Justin Bryne made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Laura Levers was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer and the defendant was released on his own bail of £500 to appear before Newry Crown Court on April 29 for arraignment.
