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Man accused of rape to contest whether there is a case to answer

Court lady justice

A Portadown man accused of rape and sexual assault will argue that there is no case to answer.

The case had been due proceed as a preliminary enquiry, however, the 32-year-old’s legal representative informed court it would be contested that there was a prima facie case to answer.

The 32-year-old, of Ballyoran Park, appeared charged with rape, attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Although scheduled for a  preliminary enquiry, the legal process necessary to refer all cases towards to the Crown Court, the 32-year-old’s defence counsel told Deputy District Judge Brian Archer he was seeking to contest whether there was sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case.

This was succeeded to by the judge who adjourned the case until October 2 for witnesses to be chosen.

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