Multiple historic sexual and physical child abuse charges alleged to have occurred over a 14-year period, including rape and choking with intent to murder, have been put to a man who appeared before in court on Tuesday.
The accused, who is aged in his forties but cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, faces 10 charges in total, including rape, strangulation, sexual assault, and child cruelty.
Beginning in July 2010 it is alleged the accused of attempting to sexually engage with the child, caused her to watch sexual activity, wilfully exposed her to unnecessary suffering and sexually assaulted her.
This activity continued up to 2020, however, charges thereafter include rape of the child.
From 2020 until July 2024, he is charged on various dates with twice attempting to choke, suffocate, or strangle the child to render her insensible, unconscious, or incapable of resistance to enable him to commit murder.
There is also a further sexual assault as well as an intentionally applying pressure to her throat or neck affecting her ability to breathe or the flow of blood to her brain.
A detective constable aware of the facts of the case said all charges could be connected.
No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending were disclosed during the short hearing at which the accused spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges against him.
A defence solicitor informed the court the defendant has been on police bail since he was first arrested in July 2024 without issue.
District Judge Natasha Fitzsimmons noted the seriousness of the charges and set bail at £500 and ordered residence to an address approved by police at all times.
She also banned the accused from having contact by any means with the complainant and he must have no unsupervised contact with any person aged under 16 without the approval of Social Services.
The case was adjourned until 4 February and the defence requested the accused be excused from attending on that date however Judge Fitzsimmons refused warning, “I expect him to be present. This is a serious matter.”
