BRAMPTON, Ont. (CP) - Four of the five youths charged in an alleged plot to carry out terror attacks in Canada are one step closer to trial.

Preliminary hearings for the youth suspects, which will determine if there's enough evidence to proceed to trial, are scheduled to begin next January.

Two weeks of hearings are set to begin the week of Jan. 15 before breaking briefly and resuming the week of Feb. 12.

The fifth youth suspect will return to court on Aug. 28 to learn more about his preliminary hearing.

Twenty-one-year-old Asad Ansari also appeared in court today and will return on Aug. 28.

Due to a sweeping publication ban, evidence brought before the court at the bail hearings cannot be reported.

Twelve men and five youths were arrested June 2 and charged with participating in a terrorist group and other terrorist-related offences.

An 18th suspect was arrested and charged on Aug. 3.