The jury in the case of a former ‘strongman’ in preparation for trial on historic sexual abuse allegations, some of which date back over 46 years, has been discharged just one day after it was sworn in.
David Edward Parkinson (79), who is on bail to reside at University Street in Belfast, is accused of 12 charges against a female child on dates between 1976 and 1983. These include two counts of rape, as well as five each of gross indecency and indecent assault.
Parkinson denies the charges, which allegedly occurred when he resided in the Fermanagh area near to the complainant.
Judge Brian Sherrard QC advised the trial was likely to last around two weeks, and may go into a third.
However, due to legal reasons the jury was discharged and the case will be heard again in June.
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