A Portadown man who is accused of possessing an imitation handgun with intent to cause fear of violence will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 31-year-old appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Patrick Brian McKerr, of Hawthorne Drive, is charged with a single count of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
As the charge was read, it was heard that the offence is alleged to have occurred on April 29, with the imitation firearm identified as a small black handgun.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, McKerr 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 solicitor Peter Murphy made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Bernie Kelly, satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer, released the defendant on continuing bail to appear at Craigavon Crown Court on November 10 for arraignment.
