A man accused of twice raping a female is to face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 23-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.
David Hernandez De Mera, of Coolfin Drive in Belfast, is charged with two counts of rape and one of attempted rape.
As the charges were read, it was heard that all of the charges related to a single alleged female injured party.
The allegations of rape are said to have occurred in June 2017 and March 2018.
Meanwhile, De Mera is accused of attempted rape on March 11, 2019.
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 counsel made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Eamonn King said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
De Mera was released on his own bail of £750 to appear before Newry Crown Court on June 22 for arraignment, with two counsel being granted for those proceedings.
