A FORMER North-East man accused of a series of sex attacks on women and girls is to stand trial in January.

Antoni Imiela, 49, originally from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has denied the 12 charges, which include nine rapes and the kidnap and attempted rape of a ten-year-old girl.

Mr Imiela, of Appledore, Kent, was arrested in December last year following the biggest manhunt in Britain for almost 30 years.

The attacks took place across London and the Home Counties over a year-long period ending last November.

The railway worker, who still has family living in Newton Aycliffe, was remanded in custody at Maidstone Crown Court, where he appeared to deny the charges.