A 31-YEAR-OLD man accused of sexual assault has been returned for trial to the Crown Court.

Donal Maguire, of Glenasheevar Road, Knockarevan, Garrison, is charged with sexually assaulting a woman, who cannot be named to protect her identity, on September 19, 2017.

Maguire appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday for a preliminary enquiry – the last stage in the legal process before a case involving indictable offences is transferred to a higher court.

A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) representative told the court that, based on the papers submitted, the defendant had a case to answer.

Defending solicitor, Bernard Corrigan, replied that was not formally conceded at this stage, before adding he had no contrary submissions to make.

Deputy district judge, Sean O’Hare, observed there was enough evidence to allow the committal to continue.

Maguire declined, at this stage, to answer the charge.

He further declined to give evidence himself, call any witnesses and tender a written statement of a witness.

The judge released him on his own bail of £500 to appear for his arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court on Tuesday, February 27.