A 58-year-old man from Draperstown entered not guilty pleas at a recent hearing at Magherafelt Magistrates' Court.

John Conway, of Sixtowns Road, Draperstown, denied a charge of assault and a charge of disorderly behaviour in licensed premises. Both charges relate to an incident on October 27, 2024.

District Judge Conor Heaney, presiding over the case, noted that if more than eight witnesses are expected to give evidence, a full day would need to be set aside for a contested hearing.

The case was adjourned until October 21 to fix a date for the contest.