Co Armagh man, accused of attempting to sexually communicate with children, is sent for trial to Craigavon Crown Court

Frederick John Stanley English, aged 76, from Glenview Drive, Lurgan appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday for a Preliminary Enquiry.

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English, who was in the dock, said he had received papers in relation to the case. Three charges were put to him.

A single charge that he attempted to sexually communicate with multiple female decoys on dates between May 2 and May 31, 2023 when he did not reasonably believe these female decoys were aged over 16 years old.

A second charge that he attempted to sexually communicate between May 13 and 30, 2023 with a person under 16 years old.

A third charge accused English of attempting to sexually communicate with a person under the aged of 16 between October 1, 2021 and June 5, 2023.

A Prosecutor submitted that on the basis of the papers before the court there is a prima facie case to answer with no contrary submissions from English’s barrister Mr Aaron Thompson.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said he had read the papers and is satisfied there is a prima facie case against English.

The defendant declined to say anything or submit anything in writing which may be given in evidence on his behalf at trial.

English was sent for trial to Craigavon Crown Court with his arraignment on May 19. He was released on continuing bail.

Legal Aid was certified for counsel in the Crown Court.