A Portadown man who is accused of assaulting three people and taking a vehicle without permission causing damage will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 27-year-old appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Ryan Pepper, of Westland Road, is charged with three counts of common assault, aggravated vehicle taking causing damage, driving whilst disqualified, assault on police, possession of a bladed article in a public place and attempted criminal damage.
As these charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is accused of committing these offences on July 27, of last year.
Pepper is alleged to have taken Vauxhall Zafira without the consent of the owner before being involved in an accident which caused damage to a fence, a shed and its contents.
He is also accused of driving whilst disqualified on Moeran Park, Portadown.
The three common assault charges are said to relate to three separate alleged injured parties.
Pepper is further alleged to have been found in possession of a knife on the Armagh Road, Portadown, and to have attempted to damage a police car belonging to PSNI,
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 Aaron Thompson made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
Pepper was released on continuing bail to appear before Craigavon Crown Court on May 27 for arraignment.
