Four men will be tried together in connection with a suspected prostitution operation that allegedly ran across Northern Ireland.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard that two of the defendants have already been charged and that two more will be added to the same proceedings.

Oliver James MacCormack, 72, faces 14 charges including rape, human trafficking, causing or inciting prostitution, controlling prostitution for gain, paying for sexual services, administering a substance with sexual intent, intimidating a witness, and involvement in the supply of heroin.

The alleged offences linked to MacCormack are said to have taken place between January 2016 and May 2022.

Derek Brown, 62, faces two charges of paying for sexual services and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, with the offences said to date from July 2022 to June 2023.

Both men are currently held at Maghaberry Prison.

The court was told that a preliminary enquiry to send the case for trial is not yet ready, and the matter was adjourned until next month.