Former school teacher to stand trial on accusations of sexual abuse of two boys

A former school teacher is to stand trial accused of sexually abusing two boys nearly 40 years ago, a judge ruled today.

Daniel Patrick Eccles faces a total of 14 charges of indecent assault on a male child, and a further count of attempted gross indecency with a child. All of the alleged offences were committed in Belfast on dates during 1976 and 1977.

Eccles, 68, and from Granemore Road in Tassagh, Co Armagh, formerly taught at a school in the city. Appearing in the dock at Belfast Magistrates' Court for a preliminary enquiry hearing, the accused nodded to confirm he understood the charges. He declined to give evidence or call witnesses at this stage in the case.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall backed a prosecution submission that Eccles has a case to answer. She ordered him to be returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Eccles was released on continuing bail of £500.

His solicitor confirmed he would be seeking to have two barristers represent the defendant at trial due to the historic nature of the sex abuse allegations.