A Portadown pensioner who is accused of historic indecent assaults will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 86-year-old is alleged to have committed these offences in the 70s and 80s with them relating to two separate women.
William Jackie Hill, of Oakgrove, did not appear but was heard over videolink from his solicitor’s office at Newry Magistrates’ on Wednesday.
The case was listed for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry, the legal process by which a case is brought to a higher court, with the defendant facing three charges of indecent assault of a female.
As the charges were read, it was heard that the first offence is alleged to have occurred between January 9, 1972, and January 8, 1976.
The others are alleged to have occurred between February 2, 1978, and February 1, 1984, with these relating to a second female.
Hill 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 solicitor Joseph McDonald 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 his own bail of £500 to appear before Newry Crown Court on December 17 for arraignment.
