Katesbridge man appears in court on historic rape charge

Peter McPolin, Shanrod Road, Katesbridge, appeared at a preliminary enquiry last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

The charge against him alleges that between June 20, 1981, and June 20, 1983, he had unlawful sexual intercourse with a female who did not consent to it.

A public prosecutor submitted that there was a prima facie case against the accused and this was accepted by District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland.

The prosecutor asked for McPolin to be returned on bail for arraignment at Newry Crown Court on October 11.

Judge Copeland set bail at £750 with the conditions that he resided at his home address and had no contact with the complainant, any member of her family or any other witnesses.