A former downtown bar owner charged with sexually assaulting two children has been released on bail.

Chris Carter, 35, 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.

Carter has pleaded not guilty and chosen to be tried by Supreme Court judge and jury.

The preliminary inquiry, to determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial, is set for 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 he stayed in jail until the matter is concluded.

Those opposed to Carter’s release are now planning a door-to-door public awareness campaign on Bell Island, but the date has not been set.