A COUPLE have appeared in court on charges connected to the sexual abuse of a boy.

Stephen Moses, 29, and Sarah Corbett, 31, of Wesley Terrace, Annfield Plain, Stanley, County Durham, appeared before South-East Northumberland Magistrates Court sitting at Bedlington today (Thursday, Nov 1).

They were arrested in the Cricketers Arms pub, in Barnard Castle, on Tuesday afternoon.

Durham Police had issued a public appeal to find them when they vanished during a pre-arranged visit by Miss Corbett to see their baby daughter at the social services office in Greencroft, Stanley.

 

After they were bailed by Durham Police they were immediately arrested and charged by Northumbria Police in relation to offences allegedly committed in Cramlington between July 1 and September 30, 2010.

Mr Moses is accused of rape, sexual assault and inciting sexual activity with a child while his partner is charged with willful assault and neglect.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Mr Moses was remanded into custody and will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, November 8.

Ms Corbett was granted conditional bail and must return to the magistrates’ court for a committal hearing on December 21, the day after the couple are due to answer bail for the alleged abduction of their daughter.

No charges have been brought in that matter and the baby, who was found safe and well, is back in the care of the local authority.