Judge bails alleged pervert accused of sex attacks on 12-year-old girl
A Co Derry man has appeared in court accused of three sex offences involving a 12-year-old girl.
Standing in the dock of the town's magistrates court, Jason Lee Kane confirmed his identity and that he was aware of the charges against him, all alleged to have been committed between July and August 2023.
The 35-year-old, from James Street in Coleraine, faces offences of engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of a child and two of sexual assault of a child under 13.
None of the alleged facts were opened during the preliminary enquiry but a prosecuting lawyer submitted there was a prima facie case against the alleged paedophile.
Coleraine courthouse
That was conceded by defence counsel Alan Stewart who revealed that as the complainant 'was 12 at the time, it's a purple file' and therefore will be fast-tracked through the courts.
District Judge Peter King said he was satisfied there is a case to answer, so returning the case to Antrim Crown Court, he scheduled the arraignment to be heard on June 16.
Freeing Kane on bail with a condition that he has no contact with children without prior permission, he told Mr Stewart he would have 'no hesitation' in extending legal aid to allow a senior barrister to be instructed.
The defendant is well-known in Coleraine after appearing in the media several years ago when the windows of his home were smashed by an irate neighbour because he was playing on loop the song 'Wagon Wheel' by country star Nathan Carter.
Kane was later offered free tickets to one of the singer's shows.
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