A MAN who has already been charged with the 2018 rape of a two-week-old baby in Co Down has been further charged with assaulting a woman.
Standing in the dock of Newry Magistrates Court today the 26-year-old, whose address is given as Maghaberry Prison, agreed he understood the three charges against him.
He has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on the infant on September 29 last year and common assault on the woman on dates between August 1and September 2 last year.
During a short preliminary hearing the man, who cannot be identified to protect the child's identity, was told he would have to enter a plea to the charges in the Crown Court in early December.
The court clerk told the 26-year-old that although not obliged to, he had the right to comment on the charges or call evidence but he declined the opportunity.
In relation to the issue of reporting restrictions District Judge Eamon King said: "There is no need for an order as the press are aware of their obligations."
Remanding the defendant back into custody, the judge returned the case to Newry Crown Court and ordered the defendant to be produced for his arraignment on December 5.
