05/02/2009
Woodland Child Sex Suspect In Court
The High Court has heard how a 41-year-old man allegedly forced a young child into a wood in Co Antrim and subjected her to a sexual assault.
The accused Alan Baird, from Cloughmills, was yesterday alleged to have taken the girl away from shops close to the village. Baird faces charges of indecent assault on a female child, aggravated assault, and assault with intent to rape.
It is alleged Baird pushed the victim into the wooded area, touched her and carried out the assault.
The judge heard how the child was found partially naked, crying and screaming after the alleged incident last September
Baird denied the charges put to him in court, and claimed he was with a friend throughout the day of the alleged attack.
The judge then asked why the girl would point the finger at Baird.
Mr Justice McLaughlin refusing the suspect's application for bail, said: "In these circumstances I have to work on the basis that there’s a very clear prima facie case against the defendant on a most serious charge."
Defence lawyer Andrew Moriarty put it to the judge, Baird would be able to reside at a Dunclug address if given bail.
Mr Moriarty said this would be far enough away to eliminated any possible interference with witnesses.
Crown prosecutor Philip Henry refuted the suitability of that house because two young children live there.
Making his decision, Mr Justice McLaughlin said Ballymena was not far enough away from Cloughmills.
"This child would then have to reside in close proximity to the accused if released on bail," he added.
(PR/BMcC)
The accused Alan Baird, from Cloughmills, was yesterday alleged to have taken the girl away from shops close to the village. Baird faces charges of indecent assault on a female child, aggravated assault, and assault with intent to rape.
It is alleged Baird pushed the victim into the wooded area, touched her and carried out the assault.
The judge heard how the child was found partially naked, crying and screaming after the alleged incident last September
Baird denied the charges put to him in court, and claimed he was with a friend throughout the day of the alleged attack.
The judge then asked why the girl would point the finger at Baird.
Mr Justice McLaughlin refusing the suspect's application for bail, said: "In these circumstances I have to work on the basis that there’s a very clear prima facie case against the defendant on a most serious charge."
Defence lawyer Andrew Moriarty put it to the judge, Baird would be able to reside at a Dunclug address if given bail.
Mr Moriarty said this would be far enough away to eliminated any possible interference with witnesses.
Crown prosecutor Philip Henry refuted the suitability of that house because two young children live there.
Making his decision, Mr Justice McLaughlin said Ballymena was not far enough away from Cloughmills.
"This child would then have to reside in close proximity to the accused if released on bail," he added.
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 November 2008
Classes Recommence At Movilla, After Three Week Dispute
Classes recommenced at Movilla High School this morning, following three weeks of industrial action by teaching staff. Twenty-five NASUWT union members took to the picket line, in mid-October, over an alleged assault on a teacher.
Classes Recommence At Movilla, After Three Week Dispute
Classes recommenced at Movilla High School this morning, following three weeks of industrial action by teaching staff. Twenty-five NASUWT union members took to the picket line, in mid-October, over an alleged assault on a teacher.
15 August 2005
Defensive headache for Sanchez ahead of Malta game
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks set to call up Burnley defender Michael Duff for this Wednesday’s friendly against Malta in Valetta.
Defensive headache for Sanchez ahead of Malta game
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks set to call up Burnley defender Michael Duff for this Wednesday’s friendly against Malta in Valetta.
20 March 2012
Internet Sex Offender Targets Up To 50 Schoolboys
Charges against an internet sex offender may include up 50 schoolboy victims, a court has heard. A detective has said that scores of indecent images and video clips were discovered when they seized an ipad belonging to the 17-year-old accused and that at least 50 injured parties are involved in the case.
Internet Sex Offender Targets Up To 50 Schoolboys
Charges against an internet sex offender may include up 50 schoolboy victims, a court has heard. A detective has said that scores of indecent images and video clips were discovered when they seized an ipad belonging to the 17-year-old accused and that at least 50 injured parties are involved in the case.
31 August 2004
Mulryne and Baird out of NI squad
Northern Ireland have lost two players through injury ahead of this weekend's opening World Cup qualifier against Poland at Windsor Park.
Mulryne and Baird out of NI squad
Northern Ireland have lost two players through injury ahead of this weekend's opening World Cup qualifier against Poland at Windsor Park.
24 February 2025
Man Charged After Suspicious Items Found In Coleraine
A 40-year-old man has appeared before Coleraine Magistrates Court today, Monday 24 February, to face charges following an incident in the Strand Road area of Coleraine on Thursday, 13 February.
Man Charged After Suspicious Items Found In Coleraine
A 40-year-old man has appeared before Coleraine Magistrates Court today, Monday 24 February, to face charges following an incident in the Strand Road area of Coleraine on Thursday, 13 February.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.