Northern Ireland

Man to stand trial on child sex charges

Laganside Court in Belfast
Laganside Court in Belfast Laganside Court in Belfast

A BELFAST man is to stand trial for allegedly trying to incite a child into sexual activity.

James McCaffrey is also accused of having and distributing a series of indecent or extreme images and videos.

The 40-year-old, of Utility Street in the city, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on a total of 25 charges.

He faces 15 counts of possessing an indecent photograph of a child, and five of distributing or showing such images.

McCaffrey is further accused of three extreme pornography offences.

It is alleged that he attempted to incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

A final charge relates to intentionally encouraging or assisting another to commit an offence, namely distributing an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child.

The alleged offences cover a period between 2010 and 2016.

Following the preliminary enquiry District Judge Fiona Bagnall granted an application to have McCaffrey returned for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed. He was released on bail.