A former downtown bar owner has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he sexually assaulted two children.

35-year-old Chris Carter faces eight charges, including sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred between January of 2018 and May of this year. There is a publication ban on any information that could lead to the identify of the alleged victims in the case.

In provincial court this morning, Carter’s lawyer entered not guilty pleas to the charges and chose trial by Supreme Court judge and jury.

The preliminary inquiry, to determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial, won’t happen until mid-January.

Carter, a musician from Pouch Cove, is a former part owner of the Valhalla nightclub in St. John’s. His case has sparked repeated protests outside the courts in an effort to ensure Carter stays in jail until the matter is concluded.

For now, he remains in custody pending a future bail hearing.