THE number of charges in a case of alleged sexual abuse of children have soared, a court heard yesterday as the defendant from Co Derry was returned for trial.
William Patterson (66) from Magherafelt Road, Tobermore, originally faced four charges involving two children.
These related to two counts of engaging in activity for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification when a child was present. It is further alleged he committed a lewd, obscene and disgusting act by exposing himself to a child, as well engaging in sexual touching of a child.
These matters were alleged to have occurred on August 6 2018.
Patterson first appeared at Magherafelt Magistrates Court in October 2018, where he was remanded on bail.
Earlier this year the court was advised the case was proceeding on indictment and committal papers were being prepared.
Yesterday Patterson was returned for trial at the same court, and is now facing 90 charges, relating to 20 children, all aged under 13.
These include 34 counts of sexual assaulting of a child, 27 counts of exposure, four counts of indecent exposure, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child eight counts each of causing or inciting child sex activity, two for indecent assault on a male and a single count of sexual activity by an adult with a child.
The offences are alleged to have occurred over a 13-year period from 2005 to 2018, and relate to 11 female and nine male complainants.
During a preliminary enquiry, a lawyer appearing for the prosecution said there is a case to answer, which was agreed by District Judge Oonagh Mullan.
Patterson confirmed he understood the charges against him. He was granted bail and has been ordered to appear again at a sitting of Derry Crown Court on November 7.