A Lurgan man accused of harassment and blackmail is to face the Crown Court.
Hugh Francis Boyce, of Watsonville, appeared before 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.
The 32-year-old, appearing via video-link from Maghaberry, was charged with harassment and blackmail.
According to court papers, the blackmail charge relates to an unwarranted demand of money.
The offences are alleged to have occurred between June 28 and July 10, 2021.
The defendant did not object to the holding of a preliminary enquiry (PE) and when asked did he wish to say anything in answer to the charges, he replied “no”.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Magill, satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer, adjourned the case for accused to appear at Craigavon Crown Court for pre-arraignment on November 17 and for arraignment on January 10.
