A Co Armagh man who is accused multiple historic rape and indecent assault offences will face Crown Court proceedings later this year.
The 68-year-old appeared at Newry Magistrates’ on Wednesday 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, faces a total of 39 charges.
He is charged 18 counts of indecent assault on a female, seven counts of gross indecency with or towards a child, 12 counts of rape and two counts of inciting gross indecency with a child.
As these charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is accused of committing these offences between December 31, 1986, and April 6, 1996, with all referring to a single alleged injured party.
Appearing in court, the male 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 Kevin Magill made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Eamonn King said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
The defendant was released on continuing bail to appear before Newry Crown Court on April 13 for arraignment.
