A Co. Armagh teenager who is accused of engaging in a sexual act in the presence of a child will face Crown Court proceedings in the New Year.
The 18-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Newry Magistrates’ on Wednesday facing two charges.
These were namely; being a non-adult engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and being a non-adult causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
As the charges were read, it was heard that on July 11, of 2018, the defendant is alleged to have incited or caused a female child to engage in a sexual activity.
He is further accused of having engaged in a sexual activity in the presence of the same child on July 17, of 2018.
Appearing in the dock, the accused 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 solicitor Richard Montieth made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Eamonn King, satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer, released the defendant on his own bail of £500 to appear before Newry Crown Court on January 21 for arraignment.
