61 year-old-man to stand trial on number of historical sexual abuse charges

A man has been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on historical sexual abuse charges.

Joseph Bourne, 61, with an address supplied to the court, appeared at a preliminary enquiry at the local Magistrate's Court today. 

He was charged with, between May and September 1995, indecently assaulting a child. He is also charged with rape on the same dates.

It was accepted that there was a case to answer and there were no contrary submissions.

Bourne chose not to say anything and there were no written statements submitted. 

He also chose not to call any witnesses at this time.

He was returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on December 5 and released on bail.