46-year-old accused of sex offences

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces a total of twenty charges allegedly committed between June 2008 and December 2012.

They include indecent assault, incitement to commit gross indecency and possessing indecent images.

The defendant is further charged with possessing an extreme pornographic image and possessing a prohibited image of a child.

During a brief hearing at the local magistrates court the 46-year-old declined to say anything in answer to the charges.

He also declined to call any evidence on his own behalf.

Defence solicitor Killian Conwell accepted there is a case for his client to answer.

The man was released on his own bail of £500 and banned from contacting the complainant or any crown witnesses.

He will appear at the crown court for arraignment on March 15.