File against man accused of raping his baby is now with PPS, court told

THE file against a Co Down man accused of raping his baby son is with a “senior prosecutor for consideration,” a judge heard yesterday.

Deputy District Judge Steven Keown also heard from the PPS that while a report from a consultant paediatrician has been received, “there are some out- standing medical statements... and the directing officer has highlighted the prospect of further expert evidence”.

Appearing at Newry Magistrates Court via videolink the 25-year-old defendant, who cannot be named to protect his alleged victim, is charged with sexually assaulting his two-week-old son on September 29 last year.

He is also accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on the baby with intent. Previous courts have heard how the child was found with broken ribs and thigh bones and was taken to hospital with unexplained injuries, including a brain haemorrhage, a number of broken bones, traumatic bruising and bleeding.

The defendant denies sexually assaulting the infant and an unsuccessful bail hearing at the High Court heard how he claimed he may have uninten- tionally hit the child’s head on a wall while “tired and frustrated”.

That court also heard claims police allegedly discovered extreme pornographic material and indecent images of children on a phone linked to the accused.

In court yesterday the prosecution asked for the case to be adjourned for four weeks but said despite the outstanding reports and statements “it is hoped that a decision can be taken be- fore these are submitted”. Remanding the alleged rapist back into custody to appear again on March 13, Judge Keown said that on the next occasion he wanted to be updated regarding “progress towards a decision and hopefully fix a PE (preliminary enquiry) date”.

A preliminary enquiry is the legal step necessary to refer all cases upwards to the Crown Court.