A MAN has denied raping a girl under the age of 16 as he appeared before Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court this morning.

The preliminary hearing heard how Phillip Mingay, 56, of George Street, Ryde, is charged with raping a female under 16 between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1978.

The case has been sent up to the crown court and adjourned until May 20.

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