Duo for court accused of sex assault at knifepoint

TWO men have been returned for trial on multiple charges relating to an alleged knifepoint sexual attack on a woman.

It is claimed she was detained in a house against her will, held down and brutally assaulted.

Jozef Marchewka (51), of Cedar Ridge, Dungannon, and Mariusz Kacica (45), of no fixed abode, are jointly accused of two counts each of sexual assault and physical assault.

Marchewka is also accused of unlawfully and injuriously imprisoning the woman, trying to rape her, causing her actual bodily harm and possessing a knife with intent to commit sexual assault.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between September 20 and 23, 2018.

Both men have been in custody since their arrest.

At their first appearance the court was told the complainant made an early morning 999 call saying she had been “raped and beaten” by two men.

The woman claimed to have met Marchewka in Dungannon, who invited her to a house. Once inside, it is contended, she was held down by both accused who “forced themselves on her” while a knife was held to her throat.

The pair appeared side-by-side in the dock of Dungannon Magistrates Court for the committal hearing yesterday, speaking only to confirm their identities and to confirm they did not object to the proceedings.

A PPS lawyer said there was a case to answer, which was agreed by District Judge John Meehan.

He remanded the pair in continuing custody to appear for arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court in September.