A man who is accused of rapes and indecent assaults dating back to the early 2000’s will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 30-year-old appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday 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 two counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault on a female and gross indecency with or towards a child.
As these charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is accused of committing these offences between February 7, of 2004 and February 7, of 2007.
There are two named alleged female injured parties.
Appearing via videolink from home, 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 John McCann made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Gerard Trainor 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 May 20 for arraignment.
Conditions of his bail included; not to have contact with the alleged injured parties and not contact with persons under 18 without the supervision of Social Services.
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