A Newry man who is accused of assaulting a female on multiple occasions will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 29-year-old appeared at the city’s Magistrates’ Court for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Christopher Hughes, of River Street, is charged with 13 counts of common assault, two counts of threats to kill, dangerous driving, attempted criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
As these charges were read, it was heard that all of these offences were alleged to have occurred between June 1, 2019, and May 16, 2020.
The common assault charges and threats to kill are in relation to a single female alleged injured party.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, 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 Byrne made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Anne Marshall said that she was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
Hughes was released on his own bail of £500 to appear before Newry Crown Court on May 18 for arraignment.
