An Armagh man accused of attempted sexual communication with a child and encouraging the making of indecent photographs will have to wait to see if his case will be heard in the Crown Court.
District Judge Paul Copeland told court: “I will let my colleague, who started it, finish it.”
Richard Brooks Porter, of Edenaveys Crescent, appeared charged with attempted sexual communication with a child, encouraging or assisting the making of an indecent photograph of a child and encouraging or assisting the distribution of an indecent photograph of a child.
Court previously heard that the 44-year-old had allegedly been in contact with police who were “acting as young people online”.
On Tuesday at the city’s Magistrates’ Court, prosecution stated: “Under the Magistrates Act, the prosecution are able to determine the venue of certain cases.
“Numerous offences of a similar nature as this have been heard in courts such as Newtownards, Belfast and Dungannon.”
District Judge Copeland commented: “Deputy Dsitrict Judge Archer raised issues with this case. Is it not he who should make the decision?”
Prosecution stated: “I was hoping to persuade your worship otherwise, no one has received a custodial sentence in cases such as this jurisdiction-wide.”
Defence solicitor Jarlath Fields said: “We take no issue with the matter proceeding in the Magistrates.”
District Judge Copeland, who made no ruling, stated: “I will let my colleague, who started it, finish it.”
The case was adjourned to July 8 for the attention of Deputy District Judge Brian Archer.
