On Friday, 10 July, Coleraine Magistrates’ Court heard the case of two defendants, a male, aged 58, and a female, aged 49, who face a series of serious historical sexual offence charges.
Both residents of Bushmills, the couple has been accused of multiple counts spanning from 1 April 1992 to 31 December 1997.
The male defendant stands charged with four counts of Gross Indecency With or Towards a Child, six counts of Indecent Assault on a Female, three counts of Rape, and two counts of Attempted Indecent Assault on a Female. Meanwhile, the female defendant faces two counts of Gross Indecency With or Towards a Child, one count of Indecent Assault on a Female, two counts of Rape, and charges of Cruelty To Children.
During the preliminary enquiry (PR) hearing, the legal process to send a case to the Crown Court, both defendants stood in the dock side by side. The prosecuting lawyer presented what was deemed sufficient evidence for the case to move forward. The defence barrister did not contest the evidence presented.
Both defendants chose not to comment on the charges or provide any evidence in their defence during the proceedings. The couple were released on £400 bail not to have contact with the complainant and to reside at their home address.
District Judge Liam McStay scheduled the next hearing for 10 September at Antrim Crown Court for arraignment.