A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with a string of sex attacks on a 14-year-old girl.

James Thompson, 38, is accused of assaulting the teenager for more than a year, until she eventually wrote a letter to her mother revealing her ordeal. The youngster was examined by doctors, who confirmed that she had been assaulted.

Roger Elsey, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court how Thompson was arrested and told police the youngster must have been bullied by other children into making the allegations.

Mr Thompson, of College View, Esh Winning, denies rape and indecent assault, and the trial continues