Northern Ireland

Man accused of raping young child accused of sexually assaulting same girl 10 years later

Gary and Heather Talbot
Gary and Heather Talbot Gary and Heather Talbot

A man accused of raping a young child was back in court today facing allegations that he sexually assaulted the same girl 10 years later.

Standing in the dock at Newtownards Magistrates Court, Gary Talbot (58) was charged with sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration on dates unknown between 2012 and 2014.

According to the charge sheet Talbot, from Kinghill Avenue in Newcastle, was also charged with abusing a second complainant.

The bus driver was accused of engaging in acts of gross indecency with a female child, indecently assaulting the girl and having unlawful carnal knowledge of her on dates between 1995 and 1997.

Those three charges however were withdrawn and a prosecuting lawyer said that instead “they will go by way of report” to the PPS.

Defence solicitor John Keown told District Judge Amanda Brady that “technically” Talbot was on police bail but with no bail application, he was asking her to revoke the defendant's bail, adding that the new charges are likely to be added on to the indictment Talbot faces.

Judge Brady said she “won’t stand in the way of that” and remanded Talbot into custody, ordering him to appear again via videolink this Thursday when his other charges are set to be reviewed.

Talbot and his 57-year-wife Heather Talbot are jointly charged with gross indecency with a child, inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency, indecent assault and three counts alleging they possessed, made and distributed indecent images of a child.

In addition, Gary Talbot faces two counts of rape and his wife a count of aiding and abetting rape on dates unknown between 2001 and 2003 when the alleged victim was aged between two and five.

When the couple were initially charged last year, the court heard claims that Heather Talbot allegedly bought stockings and underwear for the child before her husband raped her.

A detective further claimed that police had uncovered photographic evidence that showed Gary Talbot engaging in sexual acts, including rape, with the little girl.

Both Gary and Heather Talbot are due to appear again by videolink this Thursday.