A MAN accused of a string of sex offences has been moved to a secret location after a vigilante mob vandalised his house and car.

Graham Reginald Thornhill, 40, is accused of committing an act of gross indecency on a girl under 14, and seven separate offences of indecent assault between 1992 and 1997.

Hartlepool magistrates made an order to keep Mr Thornhill's new address, which is outside the town, secret, to prevent further disturbances.

His solicitor said that a mob of 20 people had gone around to his previous address, broke his windows and vandalised his car after his address was published in the local Press.

The case has been transferred to Teesside Crown Court for an unspecified date. Mr Thornhill was granted conditional bail