By Paul Higgins
Co. Down man has appeared in court charged with the sexual assault of another man.
Appearing in the dock of Newry Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Colm McAvoy confirmed his identity and that he understood the single charge against him.
The 39-year-old, with an address on the Tanvally Road in Monteith, understood to be in the Banbridge area, is alleged to have sexually assaulted the complainant on a date unknown between 11 and 18 October 2024.
The 39-year-old is alleged to have “intentionally touched the complainant, the circumstances being that the touching was sexual, that he did not consent to the touching and you did not reasonably believe the complainant so consented.”
None of the alleged background was opened to the court but giving evidence, a police officer said he believed he could connect McAvoy to the charge.
Defence counsel Justin Byrne said he had no contrary submissions against the formal connection and suggested that McAvoy could be released on continuing bail while the case progresses.
District Judge Eamon King agreed and releasing McAvoy on his own bail of £350 with a condition that he has no contact with the alleged victim, the judge adjourned the case to 25 February.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 