Coleraine pensioner in court on rape charge

Louis Feeney (65), of Killowen Street, was in the dock at Coleraine Magistrates Court.

Twelve counts of rape were listed on court papers relating to the same female on dates between 1972 and 1974 and also between 1992 and 1994.

A previous decision not to proceed with the rape allegations against Feeney has been overturned following a recent case which saw him jailed, defence barrister Michael Smyth told the court

Mr Smyth lodged a legal application for the current case to be thrown out.

He said the allegations are “very old” and said it was previously indicated the charges would not be proceeded with, but in the light of other matters which led to his client now being a serving prisoner that decision was overturned.

Mr Smyth made an abuse of process application for the case to be ‘stayed’ and the matter was adjourned to January and Feeney was returned to custody.