A FAMILY man has appeared in court accused of being a masked rapist who attacked four women in their homes.

Timothy Din, 43, of Yeovil Walk, Hartlepool, was arrested at the weekend by police investigating a series of sex attacks in Thornaby.

Mr Din appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with raping a woman in Thornaby on November 23, 1999, and three attempted rapes in the town on February 4, February 20 and March 19 last year.

The father of five was also charged with two burglaries, two handling charges and attempted theft. He had been arrested earlier in the year and given police bail.

Mr Din, a diesel fitter, was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court this week. His solicitor, Nick Woodhouse, told the court Mr Din strongly denied the charges.