Moira doctor is facing 26 sex charges

Dr Tony Chee, Danesfort, Moira, is to go on trial in the new year accused of 14 counts of sexual assault, nine counts of indecent assault on a female and three of sexual assault by penetration.

At a Preliminary Enquiry at Armagh Magistrates Court last Tuesday Chee was asked if he wished to say anything but replied: “Not at this stage.”

All of the charges are alleged to have occurred on various dates between January 16, 2005, and April 1, 2011.

A total of 19 women have made accusations about the former GP, who worked at Richhill Health Centre between 2009 and 2011.

Dr Chee had initially faced a total of eight charges, but in June it transpired he was facing a total of 19 charges relating to alleged sexual assaults.

Now that figure has been increased to 26.

Five charges have been brought by one female, who Dr Chee is alleged to have indecently assaulted twice, sexually assaulted once and sexually assaulted on two occasions by digital penetration.

During the Preliminary Enquiry a prosecutor told the court, on the basis of the papers presented, ‘there is a case to answer’.

Chee’s defence solicitor said he would not be making any submissions at this stage.

District Judge Paul Copeland said he was satisfied the accused has a prime facie case to answer in relation to all the charges.

The district judge directed Chee be returned to Newry Crown Court on January 28. The accused was released on continuing bail.