A man who is accused of a litany of sexual offences relating to children will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 43-year-old appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
He faces a total of 10 charges.
The accused is charged with four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of attempted rape of a child under 13, voyeurism, two counts of sexual activity with a child over 13 and sexual activity involving penetration on a child under 13.
As these charges were read, it was heard that all of the offences are alleged to have occurred between March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2019.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, the accused 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 Justin Byrne made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer and the defendant was released on continuing bail to appear before Craigavon Crown Court on February 16 for arraignment.
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