Lurgan man (40), extradited from the Netherlands to face child pornography charges, is to stand trial at Craigavon Crown Court
A 40-year-old man has been sent for trial on 91 charges including six counts of inciting a child to watch a sexual act.
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 on Wednesday for a Preliminary Enquiry.
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Anderson, who was wearing a sweatshirt, was extradited from the Netherlands in August this year. The charges date between 2013 and 2020. Anderson had failed to comply with court bail in 2020 and a warrant was issued then for his arrest.
He is accused of 63 counts of possessing an indecent photo or pseudo photo of a child as well as 11 counts of making indecent photos or pseudo photos of a child.
He is also facing three charges of possessing a prohibited image of a child, four counts of possessing an extreme photographic image and three charges of distributing indecent pseudo photos of a child.
He is further charged with six counts of, as an adult, causing a child aged 13-16 to watch a sexual act and a single charge of incitement to distribute an indecent photograph.
Asked if he was Christopher Anderson, the defendant replied: "Yes.” He said he received the documents in relation to the holding of a Preliminary Enquiry. The 108 charges were read to the defendant in short form.
Prosecutor Mr Shea Glasgow said he had an application on behalf of the Crown, that on the basis of the papers before the court, there is a prima facie case to answer.
District Judge Suzanne Rice said: “I considered the papers in full and I find there is a prima facie case.”
Defence barrister, Mr Jonathan Browne, instructed by Owen Beattie Solicitors, said there is no contrary submission.
When Anderson was asked if he was aware of the charges against him, he responded: “Yes.” He declined to say anything or tender written evidence in relation to the charges.
Anderson was sent for trial to Craigavon Crown Court with arraignment on January 20 next year.
Mr Browne said there is no application for bail. He also pointed out there was a "fulsome” application for two counsel. The District Judge said she was minded to grant only one counsel.