Man facing 108 charges including inciting the sexual assault of a child, is to be sent for trial, Craigavon court hears
A man who is facing 108 charges including inciting the sexual assault of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images, is expected to face a crown court trial.
Christopher Anderson, aged 40, of No Fixed Abode but formerly of Lawrence Square, Lurgan, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court via video link from Maghaberry Prison for a Preliminary Enquiry (PE).
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Anderson was extradited from the Netherlands in August this year. The offences allegedly happened between 2013 and 2020. Anderson had failed to comply with court bail in 2020 and a warrant was issued then for his arrest.
He faces 108 charges in total including inciting the sexual assault of a child, two counts of attempting to incite another to take an indecent photo of a child and 16 charges of distributing indecent photos of a child.
He is also charged with 63 counts of possessing an indecent photo or pseudo photo of a child, 11 counts of making indecent photos of a child and three counts of possessing a prohibited image of a child.
He is further charged with five counts of possessing extreme pornographic images, six counts of causing a child to watch sex acts and one charge of incitement to distribute indecent photos.
Defence barrister, Mr Jonathan Browne, instructed by Owen Beattie Solicitors, said the Preliminary Enquiry wasn’t in a position to proceed.
"Your Worship might recall on the last occasion the only thing we were outstanding was a further report from the Prosecution that they indicated they would serve. That has been served now on my instructing solicitor,” said Mr Browne, asking for some time to consider that report suggesting the matter could be listed for PE in three weeks time.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan asked if that was exhibit MM2 which Mr Browne confirmed. The barrister said the exhibit is “lengthy in nature”.
With no contrary submissions from the prosecutors, the case was adjourned until November 19 for a Preliminary Enquiry.
A Preliminary Enquiry is a hearing in a magistrates' court to decide if there is enough evidence to send a serious criminal case to the Crown Court.