A thirty-nine-year-old man has appeared before a special court sitting accused of multiple counts of raping a child, as well as possessing and supplying high level drugs.

Stephen Hilland (39), who address was given as no fixed abode, Fermanagh faces 11 charges alleged to have occurred over a five months period around two years ago.

He appeared by video-link from police custody at Dungannon Magistrates Court where a detective constable said she believed the charges could be connected.

It is alleged on dates unknown between November 2017 and March 2018, Hilland raped the child on four occasions and in one instance incited her to engage in sexual activity.

He is further accused of possessing and supplying the Class A drugs crack cocaine and Fentanyl, the second of which he allegedly had without a prescription.

Asked if he understood the charges Hilland replied, “I do, yeah.”

A defence lawyer put it to the detective, “Is there any evidence in this other than what the complainant says in terms of what the prosecution case consists of?”

The detective confirmed this, adding, “The evidence is the injured party’s ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) statement.”

The defence said two alternative addresses have been supplied to police which are yet to be checked, however the detective advised while this will be done, preliminary enquires revealed one is “definitely not suitable” and the occupant of the other cannot be contacted at present.

She stressed even if an address is found to be suitable, bail would still be opposed.

Although agreeing not to seek bail at this stage the defence requested a short adjournment to allow preparation ahead of an application.

District Judge Eamon King remanded Hilland in custody to appear at Enniskillen Magistrates Court by video-link next week, but the defence felt this was too far ahead.

“This man is now in custody and I personally believe he is entitled to bail,” he said.

“I made strong representations to the custody sergeant on this. It may well be the case if the address is approved, a judge will grant bail sooner.”

But Judge King refused maintaining the matter should stay in the appropriate court listing relevant to the area of alleged offending.