THE man who has led one of Northern Ireland's biggest St Patrick Day parades for the past 10 years is facing a dozen sex charges.

John Linton Corry -who takes on the role of St Patrick for major tourist events and traditional celebrations in Downpatrick - has been charged with 12 counts of indecent assault.

The alleged sexual abuse is reported to have taken place over a five year period, from May 1989 to July 1994, Downpatrick Magistrate's Court has been told.

Corry, from St Patrick's Road, Downpatrick - where Ireland's Patron Saint is believed to have been buried - had been due to head the area's traditional celebrations next weekend.

Just days before the 49 year-old appeared in court last month charged with the assaults he helped launch a major Down District Council advertising campaign to promote this year's festival.

Next week Downpatrick will host some of the biggest St Patrick's Day celebrations in Ulster.

Dressed in full Saint Patrick costume, Corry was due to lead the famous cross-community Saint Patrick's Day Parade, followed by local politicians and dignitaries, through the town.

However, he has now been replaced as Saint Patrick by Down District Council and a new 'Saint' is being drafted in.

A council spokesman told the Belfast Telegraph: "Lynn Corry will not be heading this year's St Patrick's Day parade. The council was unaware of the charges he was facing until he appeared in court."

A Court Service spokesman said: "John Linton Corry, from St Patrick's Road, Downpatrick, was charged with 12 counts of indecent assault. The date of the alleged offences were between May 1989 and July 1994." Corry is due to stand trial in Downpatrick Crown Court later this month.

The circumstances of the alleged abuse have not yet been disclosed.