A bail hearing is expected next week for a Newmarket caterer charged with sexually assaulting two girls.

Shawn Ahluwalia, 31, appeared briefly in a Newmarket courtroom Thursday morning clad in a long-sleeved red shirt, dark pants and shackles.

While standing in the prisoner's dock, the charges against Mr. Ahluwalia were read aloud. A representative of lawyer Joseph Bloomenfeld, who is handling Mr. Ahluwalia's defence, asked for the case to be put over until May 8.

Between January and February, York Regional Police say two 10-year-old girls were inappropriately touched while at Just For You Catering at 207 Eagle St. in Newmarket, which is owned by Mr. Ahluwalia.

York Regional Police searched a Newmarket home and business Feb. 21, seizing several computers, a camera and photographs.

Mr. Ahluwalia is also charged with possession of child pornography.

The pornography charge is not connected to the original charges of sexual assault, according to police.