A MAN has appeared in court charged with the rape of a woman and sexual abuse of a girl under the age of 14.

Simon Middleton, 29, of Sydney Terrace, Tanfield Lea, County Durham, appeared before Consett Magistrates’ Court.

He is accused of a serious sexual assault on a woman over 16 between June 1 and September 30 in 2008.

Middleton is also facing seven counts of indecent assault allegedly committed between June 21, 2000, and July 8, 2002.

Proceedings against him have been committed to Durham Crown Court.

He has been granted conditional bail and the case has been adjourned until November 25.