A Co Antrim man accused of a series of sexual assaults on his young nieces more than 30 years ago is to stand trial, a judge has ruled.
The 48-year-old, who cannot be identified to protect the alleged victims', faces charges involving four different girls.
They include eight counts of indecent assault on a female child, two allegations of gross indecency with a child, and two counts of rape.
He also faces a further charge of common assault against one of the girls.
All of the offences are alleged to have been committed between 1976 and 1980.
The accused spoke to confirm he understood the charges against him during a preliminary enquiry hearing at Belfast Magistrates Court.
He declined to say anything in response to the allegations, give evidence or call any witnesses.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall granted a prosecution application to have the suspect returned for trial at the city's Crown Court on a date to be fixed.
He was released again on his own bail of £500.
A defence solicitor successfully applied to have two barristers represent him at trial, stressing it was an historic case involving evidential issues around the rape charges.
The lawyer also secured a ban on the accused being identified after disclosing that the alleged victims were nieces of his client.
Mrs Bagnall agreed to impose reporting restrictions to ensure their identities are shielded.
© UTV News