A Belfast man has been ordered to stand trial later this year on a firearms charge.
Mark Crothers, from Woodvale Road, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday where he denied the single offence levelled against him.
The 40-year old was charged that on July 28 last year he had in his possession a firearm or imitation firearm, namely a black handgun, with intent to cause fear of violence.
When asked by a court clerk how he pleaded to the charge, Crothers replied “not guilty”.
His barrister then told Judge Patricia Smyth that defence statements have been lodged to the court.
When the judge asked what Crothers defence was, his barrister said: “Essentially the defendant accepts he was in the relevant location at the time but denies he was in possession of a handgun or imitation handgun.”
After being told the trial is expected to last for three days, the Belfast Recorder set the date for the hearing to commence as Monday December 3 2024.