Derry man appears in court accused of rape and sexual assault

Michael Dobbins, of Greenhaw Road, is accused of six charges of rape, two of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.

The defendant is further accused of sexual activity by an adult with a person unable to refuse for a reason related to a mental disorder.

The offences were allegedly committed between January 1, 2013 and February 23, 2015 and involve one complainant.

During a brief hearing at Derry Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Dobbins confirmed he was aware of the charges against him.

He declined to say anything in answer to the charges or to call any evidence on his own behalf.

Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin accepted there is a case for his client to answer.

Dobbins was released on his own bail of £500 and banned from having any contact with the complainant.

He will appear at the city’s Crown Court for arraignment on June 3.