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Man accused of multiple historic indecent assaults to face Crown Court

Armagh Courthouse

A Co Armagh man who is accused multiple historic indecent assault offences will face Crown Court proceedings in March.

The 54-year-old appeared at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with 10 counts of indecent assault of a female and attempted rape.

As these charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is accused of committing these offences between December 31, 1987, and January 1, 1993, with all referring to a single alleged injured party.

Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, the male 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 Patrick Taggart made no contrary submissions.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer 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 March 2 for arraignment.

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