A 47-YEAR-OLD woman has been accused of committing a series of sexual offences against a female child over 30 years ago.

Catherine Meehan, of Railway Crescent, Belcoo, is charged with eight counts of gross indecency with or towards a child and a further eight counts of indecently assaulting a female.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1984. All 16 charges involve the same alleged victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity.

Meehan appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Wednesday of last week for a preliminary inquiry. Her case was then transferred to a higher court. A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) representative told the court that there was a prima facie case to answer.

Defending counsel, Mr McNeill, made no contrary submissions at this stage. District judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that he was “satisfied” there was a prima facie case against the defendant.

Meehan declined to answer the charges against her at this stage. She further declined to give evidence herself, call any witnesses or tender a written statement of a witness.

The judge released the defendant on her own bail of £500 to attend for arraignment before Dungannon Crown Court on Tuesday, September 27.