A man accused of administering substance with sexual intent in an alleged rape case may have fitness to plea issues, court has heard.
The 30-year-old’s solicitor stated that a report from a consultant psychiatrist was being sought due to revelations regarding his client’s interview.
Kieran Vige, of Wesley Street, Lisburn appeared charged with rape and administering a substance with sexual intent at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Wednesday.
It is alleged that on June 29, 2018, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with a female who did not consent.
On the same date he is also accused of intentionally administering a substance to the same female, knowing that she did not consent and with the intention of stupefying or overpowering her so as to enable him to engage in a sexual activity.
The case had been listed for a preliminary enquiry but issues were raised by defence solicitor Chris Logue.
He stated: “The papers were given to us last week. After looking through them there are obvious fitness to plead issues, given the interview.
“I would be asking for an adjournment for a report to be compiled by a consultant psychiatrist.”
Prosecution commented: “This has been in the list since September last year. My friend was in the interview with Mr Vige at the time and I was surprised he had not investigated it to this point.”
Mr Logue stated: “It is always best to have a full set of papers in a case. It goes both ways. The police have had one and a half years to bring this to court and the prosecution have also been afforded time.”
District Judge Amanda Brady said: “I am going to adjourn the PE for now. I am concerned about giving a lengthy adjournment but I will adjourn for three weeks with the case being listed for mention for an update.”
The case was adjourned until February 19, with Vige excused from attending on this occasion.
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