East Belfast man accused of raping schoolgirl

A 46-year-old man has appeared in court accused of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a schoolgirl in Belfast.

Ian Brown is charged with 10 separate offences allegedly committed over a 16-month period.

They include three counts of rape and four sexual assaults.

Brown, from east Belfast but with a current address in Gateshead, England, is also accused of causing the girl aged under 16 to watch him engaging in a sexual act.

Further charges involve two counts of sexual assault by penetration.

The alleged offences were committed at locations in Belfast between January 2013 and May 2014.

As Brown appeared for the first time at the city’s magistates’ court, a PSNI officer said she could connect him to the charges.

Defence barrister Sean O’Hare put no questions to the policewoman.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall adjourned the case for an update in eight weeks time.

With Brown released on continuing bail to stay at his accommodation in England, she excused him from attending the next hearing.

Relatives of the alleged victim shouted abuse at him as he left the courtroom.