Father-of-six McCartney was also appointed as cultural ambassador for the Wirral region last year.
His Counsel told the court that they may bring a case for abuse of process against the prosecution. They also made a request to see prosecution evidence which has so far been denied to them.
Judge Peter Clarke said: "It has taken 14 months to get here and that does not seem to be to anybody's benefit - either the complainant or particularly the defendant, Mr McCartney, on what are relatively simple allegations.
"I suppose we will find out why in the course of the proceedings."
McCartney, of Heswall, was granted unconditional bail and will appear at Chester Crown Court again on February 20 for trial.
