A man accused of a series of sex attacks on youngsters dating back more than 20 years has been released on bail by Belfast Magistrates Court.
Patrick Lennox, 55, who is currently living in England, was charged with indecently assaulting a male between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1980, committing a serious sexual offence with a male between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1982 and indecently assaulting and raping a female between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1982.
The court was told that the alleged victims were aged 11-15 at the time and had known Lennox through an association. Lennox lived in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, at the time the offences allegedly took place.
A police officer said that they were alerted in August and the accused was interviewed on Friday. Detective Constable Dennis Ferguson, the deputy investigating officer, said he believed he could connect Lennox with the charges.
DC Ferguson said police would have objected to bail but said that Lennox was the sole carer for his wife who is confined to a wheelchair at home in England. "We would be denying his wife if he wasn't on bail to take care and look after her."
He added he believed that Lennox would be subjected to threats if he remained in Northern Ireland.
Granting bail, resident magistrate Desmond Perry said the accused could return to England on condition that he made no contact with any of the alleged victims.
He also ordered Lennox to report to the police once a week, to surrender his passport, and to have no contact with anyone in Northern Ireland. Mr Perry said he should only return to the province for the purpose of attending court. Lennox was remanded on bail of Stg £1,000 to reappear at court next February.
PA