Man flies back from NZ to face historical sex offences in Northern Ireland

By Paul Higgins

A man who travelled back from New Zealand to face historical sex offences had his case referred to the Crown Court today (Tues). 

At Newtownards Magistrates Court, 62-year-old John Isaac Moore was charged with two counts of indecently assaulting a male on a date unknown between 30 June and 1 September 1984. 

Moore, with an address at McKenzie Street, Geraldine in New Zealand, confirmed he was aware of the charges and that he did not object to the Preliminary Enquiry, the legal process necessary to refer a case upwards to the Crown Court. 

None of the facts giving rise to the allegations were opened in Court but a prosecuting lawyer submitted the papers grounded a Prima Facie case against Moore, a submission which defence barrister Conor Holmes conceded. 

Moore declined the opportunity to comment on the charges or to give evidence to the PE and Mr Holmes revealed “there will be admissions.”

“He travelled here today from New Zealand to face the charges,” said the lawyer adding that although he would be going back to NZ, he would return for his Crown Court appearance. 

Freeing Moore on continuing bail, District Judge Hamill returned the case to Downpatrick Crown Court and ordered him to appear there on 1 March for his arraignment.