Couple in court to face historic child sex offences

By Michael McHugh

A couple from Northern Ireland have appeared in court on child sex abuse charges.

Gary Talbot, 58, is accused of two counts of raping a child aged five or under.

His wife, Heather Talbot aged 57, is accused of aiding or abetting.

They both face charges of gross indecency with a child, aiding or abetting gross indecency, and inciting gross indecency.

They are also accused of making and distributing indecent images of children.

The alleged criminal activity took place at their home at Kinghill Avenue in Newcastle, Co Down.

Police searched the property in October last year and seized several computers and mobile phones.

Forensic analysis showed they had allegedly been communicating with like-minded individuals on the dark web, a detective told Downpatrick Magistrates' Court.

Police are still trying to identify the victim.

Bail granted to Heather Talbot by district judge Eamon King is to be appealed against by prosecutors at Belfast's High Court. Gary Talbot was remanded in custody.

The case is due to be mentioned again on March 1 via videolink.