Harbinson (42), from Sheepwalk Road, faced two charges of possession of an indecent image of a child, and three other charges including one of rape when he appeared in Lisburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

The defendant denied all the charges.

Harbinson was arrested following a search of his home last Friday (October 23) when mobile phones and other media were seized.

He was subsequently re-arrested in the company of the alleged victim on Monday (October 26).

The court was told by one of the investigating officers he believed he could connect the defendant with the charges.

He also voiced strong objections to a bail application.

The officer said that during interview the defendant stated he had become "paranoid" following the police investigation and had contacted the girl to advise her to get a new mobile phone. He was then arrested as he met with the girl in his car.

Questioning the investigating officer, defence said: "Isn't it accepted by police that the two photographs on the defendant's mobile phone were sent to the phone by this girl? There is no suggestion he took these photographs. The line of inquiry is that the girl sent the photographs to the phone."

The officer said this was the defendant's "excuse".

Defence continued: "He is a man whose roots are firmly placed in the Stoneyford area. He has a wife and six month old child. He has a home in Stoneyford and has always lived in the area.

"I do not detract from the gravity of these charges but he cannot express his innocence more emphatically," he added.

Rejecting the bail application and remanding the defendant in custody, District Judge Rosie Waters said: "These are very serious charges and a very vulnerable injured party.

"Ultimately I am concerned about interference of witnesses and I am concerned about the 13 year old in all of this."

Harbinson was remanded in custody to appear again by videolink on November 24.