A Derry man accused of 24 historical sex offences will stand trial in May 2027 after entering not guilty pleas.

Shane Kyle, 49, of Knockalla Park in the Galliagh area, faces 22 charges of indecent assault on a female. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 1 February 1993 and 31 January 2007.

He is further charged with two counts of gross indecency with or towards a child, on dates between 1 April 1996 and 9 August 1997.

All charges were put to Kyle at a hearing on Wednesday. He denied each one.

The court was told the trial is expected to last between six and eight days.

Judge Roseanne McCormick KC indicated that the case would not be heard before early summer next year. The trial date was subsequently fixed for 5 May 2027.

Kyle was released on continuing bail until that date.