A former downtown St. John’s bar owner will stand trial to face allegations of sexual assault against two children.

Judge David Orr made the decision after hearing evidence at the preliminary inquiry, which can’t yet be reported.

35-year-old Chris Carter faces eight charges in connection with incidents alleged to have occurred between January of 2018 and May of 2021.

He has chosen to be tried by a Supreme Court judge and jury, although his arraignment date has yet to be set.

Carter was granted bail last fall on a number of conditions, but has yet to fulfill all of them and has instead remained in custody.

The Pouch Cove musician is a former part-owner of the Valhalla nightclub.

The charges include two counts each of sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference and sexual exploitation.