CHILD sex charges against a leading Labour Party activist were brought before magistrates last week.
Martyn Locklin, 40, is a Sedgefield borough councillor and a town councillor in Newton Aycliffe. Coun Locklin, from Newton Aycliffe, is charged with rape, serious sexual assault and indecent assault against a boy.
Two other charges of indecent assault relate to two other boys.
The alleged victims were aged 14, 15, and 16 at the time of the alleged offences, dating between February 1989 and March 1996.
Some date back to the time Coun Locklin, who was elected to leadership of Great Aycliffe Town Council in May, worked as a tutor in the Aycliffe Young People's Centre.
He has been suspended from the Labour Party until the conclusion of the court proceedings.
Coun Locklin was excused absence from the hearing, in Newton Aycliffe, and the case was adjourned until August 3. His bail conditions prevent him from entering Newton Aycliffe.
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