For trial on child sex charges

A 56 year old Banbridge man is to stand trial in the new year facing child sex charges.

Martin McKnight from Mount Charles appeared at a Preliminary Enquiry at last week’s local Magistrates Court.

He faces three charges in total; the first being that he allegedly committed an act of gross indecency with a female child between 21 July, 1983, and 21 July, 1986. He is also charged on the same dates of indecent assault on a female child.

The third charge of indecent assault on a female child is alleged to have occurred between 1 May, 1990, and 30 September, 1990.

McKnight said nothing in relation to the charges and he was told to return for trial at Newry Crown Court on 14 January 2014.

A reporting restriction was imposed to protect the identity of the alleged injured party.

McKnight’s solicitor Mr Conleth Downey asked the court to consider a prohibition on naming the defendant.

District Judge Mr Copeland said McKnight would be tried publicly and he didn’t see any reason why his name should not be published.

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