A former sexton at St Peter's Cathedral in Belfast has been charged with 48 sex offences involving five boys. Mr Martin Kerr (33), formerly of Lisvarna Heights, Belfast, appeared at the Magistrates Court and was released on bail until his trial at Belfast Crown Court. He faces 36 counts of indecent assault and 12 of gross indecency over a 10-year period. When specimen charges were read, he answered: "Not guilty." He was released on £500 personal bail and was warned by the Resident Magistrate not to attempt to contact the alleged victims.
A trial is unlikely to be held before next year.