Magherafelt rape accused and his alleged accomplice facing Crown Court trial

Karl Martin, 22, of Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, is accused of raping a female and sexual assault on June 16, 2013.

While 26-year-old Gary Paul McIlwaine, of Great James Street, Derry, is charged with aiding and abetting the rape and sexual assault on the same date.

Mr Stephen Atherton, solicitor, appearing for Martin, said the defendant categorically denies the offence and has maintained this since he was first interviewed by police.

When the charges were put to McIlwaine he replied: “Nothing to say at this time.”

The pair were returned for trial, on personal bail of £500, at Londonderry Crown Court for arraignment on September 3 when they appeared at Magherafelt Magistrates Court.