Former Armagh GAA captain Nugent appears in court on Miami trip sexual assault charges

Aidan Nugent arrives at Newry Courthouse, where he is charged with alleged sexual offences in the United States. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A former Armagh GAA captain has appeared in court charged with alleged sexual assault offences.

Aidan Nugent, aged 30, of Cullyhanna Rd, Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh, appeared in the dock at Armagh Magistrates’ Court sitting in Newry yesterday morning.

He faces four charges relating to an incident involving a woman on November 17, 2024, during a trip involving Armagh GAA to Miami in the US.

The charges include two counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

In court yesterday, a detective constable said he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.

Wearing a light blue jumper, navy trousers, and trainers, Mr Nugent confirmed his name and date of birth before indicating that he understood the charges put to him.

The court heard that initial contact was made between the complainant and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on November 19.

Mr Nugent was contacted by police on December 10, and attended Banbridge PSNI station for interview. He was also interviewed on March 31 before being charged on April 14.

His solicitor, Patrick Higgins, said that, during police interview, Mr Nugent told officers that the “only sexual activity that occurred was consensual”, adding that he denies the allegations.

District Judge Anne Marshall heard the case and said that police bail should continue with one condition — that Mr Nugent should have no contact with the complainant.

The case is next to be mentioned in court on June 3.

The trip to Miami by the wider Armagh GAA came after the senior men won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title in July 2024.