A Newtownhamilton man accused of historic sexual offences against two young females is to face Crown Court proceedings next month.
James Patrick Shortt, of Dungormley Estate, is accused of four counts of indecently assaulting two females, with the first alleged incident dating back before the turn of the millennium.
The 39-year-old appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Newry, for the purpose of a Preliminary Enquiry – the process by which a case is escalated to the higher court.
Shortt is alleged to have committed the offences against one of the females on three occasions between March 22, 1997 and March 22, 1999.
He is further alleged to have indecently assaulted the second female on one occasion between April 2, 2004 and April 2, 2007.
The defendant, during the brief hearing, said he did not object to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution stated that based on the papers before the court that there was a prima facie case to answer.
Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter released Shortt on his own bail of £500.
He is due back in Newry Crown Court for arraignment on May 10.
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