A 48-year-old man facing multiple historic sexual charges has changed his plea just as a trial was about to begin.
Adam Bradley, who has been bailed to reside at Glenvara Drive, Coleraine, faced five charges in total comprising two counts of rape and three of indecent assault on various dates between 1999 and 2022.
Offending related to two victims and occurred in the Dungannon area.
A jury had been sworn in at Dungannon Crown Court and sent home to return the following day when the trial was to get underway.
However, it was confirmed there had been a change of position overnight and Bradley’s defence counsel asked for him to be rearraigned and he accepted both counts of rape.
A prosecuting barrister advised the remaining charges can be left of the court books.
Defence counsel requested pre-sentence reports and applied for Bradley to remain on bail as he has a number of complex health issues.
After consideration, Judge Richard Greene said the nature of the convictions would generally mean immediate remand in custody, but given Bradley’s specific health conditions he agreed to allow bail to continue in the same terms which includes no contact with the victims.
Releasing him on £500 bail, Judge Greene ordered Bradley to sign the Sex Offenders Register before leaving court, the duration of which will be decided at sentencing, which will take place on June 27.
