A serving police officer has appeared in court charged with a string of child sex offences.
Nathan Henderson is charged with 11 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child between August last year and July this year and one count of perverting the course of justice on May 28 this year.
The 30-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and address during the short hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.
The defendant entered the court using a walking stick wearing a grey sweater and black trousers.
John Garside, prosecuting, did not outline the details of the case during the short hearing.
And Julian Gaskin, representing Henderson, did not make an application for bail on behalf of his client.
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District Judge Marie Mallon remanded the police officer in custody until his next appearance at crown court.
The Cleveland Police officer, of Norton, Stockton, has been suspended from duty.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland said: “I know this case will cause concern amongst our local communities and residents in the Cleveland area, and also the wider community.
“I want to reassure people that we take allegations of this nature extremely seriously. We will always prioritise protecting and safeguarding victims of crime and preventing any further risk to the wider public.”
The force has confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Henderson will next appear at Durham Crown Court on August 28.
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