A lorry driver has appeared in court to deny a series of child sex charges.
Melvin McFadden, 54, of South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, pleaded not guilty to nine counts of indecent assault, four of indecency with a child, and one charge of rape.
One of the charges related to a nine year old girl, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Judge Les Spittle adjourned the case, granting Mr McFadden conditional bail, and said a preliminary hearing was now likely to take place in July.
He set a target date of September 20 for the trial which is expected to last up to three weeks.
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