THE MAN accused of kidnapping and raping an 11-year-old girl found in Darlington has appeared in crown court.

Paul Ripley made his first appearance at Chester Crown Court via video link today (Tuesday, November 24).

The 52-year-old, of no fixed address, is alleged to have kidnapped the youngster on Saturday, November 7.

The child was reported missing from her Ellesmere Port home at 9.47pm and was found at 1.45am the next day in a village close to Darlington, more than 100 miles away.

Mr Ripley was pulled over and arrested on the M6 near Preston shortly afterwards.

He is charged with kidnap, two counts of raping a female under 13 and dangerous driving.

He appeared in court via video link from HMP Altcourse and is expected to remain in custody until his next appearance on February 10, 2016.

A provisional trial date has been set for April 11, 2016.

Police have not yet confirmed which village the girl was found in or the circumstances of her discovery.