A Belgian man is to stand trial for allegedly trying to sexually groom a child into meeting him in Belfast, a judge ordered on Friday.
Liam Lewis was arrested during a police operation mounted at a city centre apartment complex in March last year.
The 30-year-old engineer, who had been living at the Obel Tower on Donegall Quay, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court accused of 10 offences.
He is charged with attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity as part of an online campaign.
Further alleged offences include possessing indecent images and trying to cause a child to look at a photo of someone engaged in sexual acts.
The charges cover a period between February 13 and March 8, 2024.
Detectives previously claimed there was evidence of an online chat log between Lewis and a profile for a 13-year-old girl.
The communication over Kik and Snapchat had been sexual in nature and involved an arrangement to meet, it was alleged.
Lewis was said to have been working in Northern Ireland on windmill blade parts, with accommodation provided in the Obel Tower.
He appeared remotely from HMP Maghaberry for a preliminary enquiry into the strength of the evidence.
Defence solicitor Owen Beattie did not dispute prosecution submissions that a prima facie case had been established against his client.
Lewis declined to give any evidence or call witnesses during the brief hearing.
Granting the Crown’s application, Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter returned the accused for trial at Belfast Crown Court.
Lewis, who remains in custody, will appear again for arraignment on a future date to be fixed.