A man has gone on trial accused of repeatedly sexually abusing his two nieces over a sustained period from they were six years of age.
The man – who is from the ABC borough and in his forties – cannot be named as to protect the identity of the complainants.
He faces a total of 32 charges including: two counts of indecent assault, 13 counts of rape; four counts of rape of a child under the age of 13; rape; sexual activity by adult with a child 13-16years; common assault; seven counts of indecent assault on female child; gross indecency towards a child; and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
Of these, 18 charges relate to one girl on dates between 2003 and 2012, while 14 relate to the second girl 2004 and 2010.
The man, who has denied all the charges, appeared for trial at Newry Crown Court on Monday.
The first day of the trial heard how the girls visited relatives – where the defendant lived – on a regular basis.
This is when the alleged incidents took place.
Court heard how both girls were allegedly targeted from the age of six until they went to secondary school.
The trial continues.
