Jason McCaferty appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court via video link accused of rape and attempted rape
The Sunday Life has reported that Jason McCaferty is alleged to have committed sexual assaults on August 25, 2019, at a wedding on Lusty Beg Island in Co Fermanagh.
The 43-year-old, of Winchester Park in Kilfennan, was originally charged with one count of rape.
But he now also faces a second charge of attempted rape.
A detective told a previous court hearing that due to the swiftness of the matter being reported and the subsequent arrest of McCaferty, it had not been possible to obtain witness statements as guests were trying to keep the alleged incident from the bride and groom.
The officer said the alleged complainant and three witnesses were willing to testify at any future trial.
A uniformed constable’s bodyworn was activated at the time to record what they had said but the camera was at the wrong angle and the sound was poor, the court heard.
The alleged complainant was in McCaferty’s company along with a number of other people at the wedding and wasn’t supposed to be staying over but remained anyway.
McCaferty was released on bail of £750 despite police objectiions he could interfere with witnesses.
Last Monday McCaferty appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court by video-link from his solicitor’s office for a committal hearing.
A prosecution lawyer said there was a case to answer which was agreed by District Judge Steven Keown.
McCaferty did not object to the proceedings and declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his behalf.
District Judge Keown set bail at £750 and ordered McCaferty to appear at Dungannon Crown Court next month, January 2021, to be formally arraigned when he will be asked to enter his plea to the two charges of rape and attempted rape he faces.