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Pensioner to stand trial on child pornography charges

A 71-year-old man is to stand trial accused of 12 counts of making indecent photographs of children.

Eric McIlveen, of Stirling Road in east Belfast, is also alleged to have been in possession of an extreme pornographic image.

The charges cover dates between June 2008 and May 2014.

McIlveen appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court yesterday for a preliminary enquiry to decide if he has a case to answer.

As he stood in the dock his lawyer relayed proceedings due to hearing difficulties.

He declined offers to call witnesses or give evidence during the brief hearing.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall ordered him to be returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

He was released on continuing bail, but banned from having any unsupervised contact with children unless approved by social services.