A MAN has appeared in court charged with a number of child sex offences including distributing indecent images and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Robert Fothergill, 46, of the Whitefields area of Richmond, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (February 25), and has been remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, March 5.

Fothergill has been charged with two counts of assault of a boy aged 13 or under by touching; causing or inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity; and three counts of distributing indecent photographs of a child.

North Yorkshire Police said he was arrested by on Monday, February 23, and charged the following day, being held in custody until his court appearance today.