A Warrenpoint man accused of assaulting a male and damaging gardening equipment will face Crown Court proceedings later this year.
The 66-year-old appeared at Newry Magistrates’ for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Michael Patrick Grant, of Moygannon Road, is charged with common assault, theft and criminal damage.
As these charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is accused of committing these offences on March 15, of last year.
Grant is alleged to have assaulted a male and to have damaged a garden grape hoe belonging to the same individual.
The defendant is also accused of stealing a gardening helmet, to the value of £50, from the same injured party.
Appearing in court, Grant 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 counsel made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Anne Marshall said that she was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
The defendant was released on his own bail of £250 to appear before Newry Crown Court on May 13 for arraignment.
