A Co Down man who is accused of rape and sexual assault will face Crown Court proceedings in March.
The 35-year-old appeared at Newry Magistrates’ on Wednesday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with rape and sexual assault against a single alleged injured party.
As these charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is accused of committing these offences on January 28, of 2018.
Appearing in court, the man 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 barrister Patrick Taggart made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
The defendant was released to appear before Newry Crown Court on March 2 for arraignment.
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