Downpatrick solicitor facing sex assault claim

A DISTRICT Judge has ruled that a Downpatrick solicitor accused of sexual assault should be named.

Christopher Logue, of Joe Mulholland and Company Solicitors in Downpatrick, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman on November 23 last year during a social function for the legal profession.

He had been granted temporary anonymity through a reporting restriction imposed during his first court hearing in August when the defence raised concerns over the impact reporting of the case would have on the defendant.

Yesterday, Mr. Eugene Grant QC, defending, sought to have the reporting restriction temporarily maintained, claiming that to name Logue would create a serious risk of prejudice in the case and may deter other potential witnesses from coming forward.

He said there were also concerns that the original decision to prosecute was flawed, which he indicated may lead to further legal proceedings in the coming weeks.

However, his application was dismissed by District Judge Nigel Broderick, following lengthy legal discussions.

Thirty three year-old Logue, of Lady Wallace Crescent, Lisburn, is due for trial at Downpatrick Court on December 2.

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