A MAN has appeared in court accused of inciting underage girls to become involved in sexual activity and pornography.

Nikki Aldridge, of Ponds Court, Consett, County Durham, faces five counts of sexual offences, which were allegedly carried out between February and June 2014.

The 18-year-old is accused of inciting two 15-year-old girls to engage in sexual activity and three 16-year-old girls to become involved in pornography.

Aldridge appeared before Consett Magistrates’ Court where he did not enter a plea to the charges.

Prosecuting, John Garside, said: “The allegations came following an examination of the defendant’s computer."

David Malone, for Aldridge, made no representations.

Magistrates adjourned proceedings and granted Aldridge conditional bail.

Chairman of the bench, Anita Atkinson said: “We cannot deal with these allegations at this court. We are going to send this to Durham Crown Court.”

The next hearing will be on February 25.