A Darlington man appeared before a court yesterday accused of raping a girl 18 years ago.
Kevin Turner is alleged to have raped the girl when he was babysitting for her in the early 1980s.
Yesterday, Mr Turner, 33, of Helmsley Moor Way, Darlington, appeared before Teesside Crown Court charged with three offences of rape. He has denied the charges.
Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said Mr Turner was alleged to have repeatedly raped the girl after making a threat against a member of her family to prevent her from telling anyone what had happened.
Mr Sabiston said when the girl refused to have sex with Mr Turner he would lock her in a cupboard or a wardrobe.
When Mr Turner was interviewed by the police he maintained he had not raped or abused the girl in any way.
The case continues
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